2005 Honda CR-V 2.2L Diesel · PJ55 ORP

The 2005 Honda CR-V presents a mixed but broadly stable mechanical picture as of its most recent MOT on 14 May 2025 at 105,636 miles, where it passed. The maintenance trend over the last three years is one of gradual deterioration followed by partial rectification. The 2024 test flagged multiple deteriorated ball joint and track rod end dust covers, indicating perished rubber boots that had been allowing dirt ingress into critical front suspension joints. By the failed test on 12 May 2025, those same covers had worsened to the point of excessive damage, and both front tyres were worn to the legal limit. The subsequent pass just two days later suggests the owner replaced the front tyres and likely attended to the worst of the suspension cover defects, though the record does not confirm whether the track rod end and lower suspension arm boots were renewed or merely noted. Rear brake discs also appeared as advisories in both 2025 tests, described as worn, pitted or scored but not seriously weakened, indicating surface corrosion and uneven wear rather than an immediate failure risk. The mileage pattern tells a story of very light use. Between the clean pass on 5 May 2023 at 101,903 miles and the pass on 2 May 2022 at 100,040 miles, the vehicle covered roughly 1,863 miles in twelve months. From May 2023 to May 2024 it added 2,084 miles, and from May 2024 to May 2025 just 1,649 miles. Over the full recorded span from 2022 to 2025, the annual average sits well below 2,000 miles, which is exceptionally low for a vehicle of this age. Such low mileage can mean reduced drivetrain and braking wear, but it also raises the possibility of long stationary periods, which accelerates rubber component perishing, brake disc surface corrosion, and tyre sidewall cracking. The MOT record supports this interpretation, with rubber dust covers and brake discs appearing as recurring concerns rather than high-mileage consumable wear. A buyer inspecting this vehicle in person should focus on the front suspension components that have repeatedly drawn attention. The nearside and offside lower suspension arm ball joint dust covers and track rod end boots were flagged as severely deteriorated or excessively damaged across multiple tests. Even if the May 2025 pass suggests some remedial work, a physical check for play in the ball joints and track rod ends is essential, as contaminated joints can accelerate wear and lead to vague steering or clunking over bumps. The front tyres were worn to the legal limit in May 2025, so their replacement date and brand should be verified, along with checking for uneven wear that could indicate misalignment or worn suspension geometry. The rear brake discs appearing as advisories in both 2025 tests warrant a close visual inspection for scoring depth and lipping, particularly if the vehicle has been sitting for extended periods between short trips. Surface pitting from standing corrosion is common on low-mileage vehicles and may not yet compromise braking efficiency, but deeply scored discs will require replacement. Beyond the flagged items, a thorough underbody inspection for structural corrosion is advisable on any twenty-one-year-old SUV, especially around sills, subframes, and suspension mounting points, as the MOT record does not capture the full extent of any hidden rust. The headlamp lenses were noted as slightly defective in 2024, so checking for haze or moisture inside the units is a simple but worthwhile step.