2005 Honda FR-V 2.0L Petrol · RF55 CCD

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT test on 1 October 2025, which is a positive immediate indicator of roadworthiness, however the underlying advisory items recorded at that same test warrant careful attention. A persistent advisory has been noted regarding a brake pedal wearing smooth, suggesting that the pedal rubber is thinning and losing its anti-slip surface, which can compromise driver feel and brake modulation under heavy pedal pressure. Front brake discs were also flagged as worn but not excessively, meaning they are approaching but have not yet breached the rejection threshold, and replacement is likely to be due in the medium term. The offside front power steering component showed slight seepage from the reservoir or associated pipes, which on a 21-year-old vehicle is a typical failure point for hydraulic seals and O-rings and should be monitored for fluid level loss and any increase in steering effort or noise from the pump. A minor advisory regarding the rear headlamp lens being slightly defective does not currently impair function but indicates UV degradation of the polycarbonate, which often worsens with age and may eventually reduce light output to testable limits. Given that the previous test on 29 September 2025 resulted in a failure with multiple major defects relating to anti-roll bar bushes, suspension component corrosion at the sill end and wheel arch, and a non-functioning front position lamp, the maintenance trend suggests a vehicle that has experienced structural and chassis deterioration and has only just been brought back to a passable standard. The recorded mileage of 130,566 miles over a 21-year period equates to an average annual usage of approximately 6,217 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and indicates fairly steady but modest use rather than extreme high-mileage motorway driving or prolonged periods of standing. There do not appear to be any significant gaps in the recorded mileage that would suggest the vehicle was laid up for an extended period, which reduces concerns regarding severe standing-related corrosion, seized brake calipers, or perished cooling system hoses. However, the mileage alone does not reveal the full picture, as the MOT record shows persistent advisories around the offside rear service brake binding and various oil leaks, both of which are consistent with a high-mileage powertrain that has accumulated wear on internal seals, brake caliper slide mechanisms, and hydraulic systems. For a prospective buyer, this usage profile suggests that while major mechanical components such as the engine and gearbox are unlikely to be immediately at risk, the ancillary and consumable systems will continue to require attention as wear accumulates further. The recurring pattern of anti-roll bar and suspension-related advisories, culminating in major failures at the rear, indicates that the suspension and chassis components are showing age-related fatigue. The anti-roll bar D-bush and linkage ball joint failures point to worn compliant bushes, which would typically manifest on a test drive as clonking or knocking noises over speed humps, body roll instability during cornering, and uneven tyre wear across the rear axle due to altered camber and tracking. The offside rear suspension component mounting was flagged as having excessive corrosion in the sill end and wheel arch area significantly reducing structural strength, which is a serious concern on a 21-year-old vehicle, particularly one based on a monocoque chassis, as corrosion in load-bearing areas can compromise crash protection as well as handling integrity. A prospective buyer should closely inspect the rear wheel arches, sill ends, and suspension turrets for perforation, bubbling under the paint, or evidence of previous welding repairs, ideally by placing the vehicle on a ramp to view the underside. The track rod end dust cover that was noted as damaged on the nearside should also be inspected to ensure no further deterioration has occurred, as ingress of dirt will accelerate wear on the ball joint itself and can lead to loose steering and uneven front tyre wear. Beyond the recorded advisories, practical age-appropriate checks should be undertaken given the vehicle is over two decades old. Brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid should be verified for recent replacement regardless of mileage, as these are time-serviced items that degrade chemically and through moisture absorption even when the vehicle is in regular use. The 12V battery is highly likely to be due for replacement given the vehicle age, and a load test should be requested to confirm cranking performance. Tyres should be examined not only for tread depth but for sidewall cracking, perishing, and bulges consistent with age-related rubber degradation, particularly as the MOT record notes front tyres previously worn close to the legal limit. Given the persistent binding advisories on the offside rear brake, the caliper slide pins and piston seals should be physically inspected, as binding brakes generate excessive heat, accelerate pad and disc wear, and reduce fuel efficiency. Finally, the persistent oil leak advisories warrant a thorough under-bonnet inspection of the rocker cover gaskets, sump plug, and any visible oil residue on the underside of the engine and transmission, while a compression or leak-down test would provide further reassurance regarding internal engine condition given the accumulated mileage.