2009 Honda CR-V 2.0L Petrol · RO09 GXY

The most recent DVSA examination on 26 August 2026 recorded a PASS with no advisories or defects noted, which represents a positive turnaround from the immediately preceding test just nine days earlier on 18 August 2026 where the vehicle failed on multiple major items. The failure catalogue on that earlier test was significant, encompassing an offside rear position lamp defect, a serious fluid leak from the nearside front shock absorber, and pronounced corrosion affecting the prescribed mounting areas of both rear suspension components, specifically the trailing arm mount area on the offside. The advisory regarding front brake disc wear was comparatively minor but indicative of attention required to the braking system. The fact that the vehicle passed cleanly only nine days later suggests that the major items were remedied, although it is prudent for any prospective purchaser to obtain documentary evidence of the rectification work completed and to satisfy themselves that the corrosion repairs to the rear suspension mounting points are of a permanent, structural nature rather than a surface-level cosmetic fix. Against the vehicle's seventeen years of service, the recorded odometer reading of 139,110 miles equates to an average annual mileage of approximately 8,183 miles, which broadly corresponds to typical usage patterns for a vehicle of this vintage. There are no conspicuous gaps in the MOT testing history, which is annual and consistent from 2021 through to the present, and there are no indicators of exceptionally low or sporadic usage that might have resulted in standing-related deterioration. The MOT history itself only records pass or fail outcomes without corresponding mileage progression data, so it is not possible to confirm from the DVSA records alone whether any particular periods of inactivity have occurred, but the steady annual rhythm suggests the vehicle has remained in regular service throughout its life. Given the historical corrosion issues identified at the rear suspension mounting points, a prospective buyer should conduct a particularly thorough physical examination of the underbody, with attention to the trailing arm and its mounting brackets for any evidence of renewed rust formation, cracking around welded repairs, or the use of underseal or filler to conceal further degradation. The rear suspension should be inspected for any signs of play, knocking, or abnormal movement when the vehicle is rocked or driven over undulating surfaces. With respect to the front shock absorber which was previously leaking fluid, the nearside damper should be visually inspected for fresh oil traces, weeping at the seal, and the surrounding coil spring and top mount should be checked for corrosion, as Honda CR-Vs of this generation are known to suffer rear arch and strut tower corrosion regardless of MOT results. A test drive should incorporate a series of brake applications from moderate speed to verify straight-line stability and to detect any shudder, pulling, or vibration through the steering wheel which would corroborate the previous advisory regarding front brake disc condition, and the buyer should be prepared for the prospect of replacement brake discs and pads as forthcoming maintenance. Beyond the matters directly evidenced by the MOT history, the age and mileage profile of this Honda CR-V necessitate a focus on time-based deterioration rather than solely wear-based concerns. The tyres, irrespective of their remaining tread depth, should be examined closely for sidewall perishing, cracking, and ozone-related degradation, as seventeen-year-old rubber compounds frequently harden and lose integrity long before the tread is exhausted. The 12-volt battery is highly likely to be due for replacement given the vehicle's age, and its state of charge and terminal condition should be verified prior to purchase. Brake fluid should be assessed in terms of its age rather than its condition alone, with a renewal due every two years irrespective of mileage, and similarly the engine coolant and automatic transmission fluid should be checked for service history. Given the corrosion history noted at the rear suspension mounting points, a thorough underbody inspection, ideally with the vehicle raised on a ramp, is strongly advised to identify any further structural concerns, and the exhaust system, including hangers and heat shields, should be examined for corrosion-related fragility. Verification of a complete service book with stamps at appropriate intervals, alongside receipts for any rectification work completed to address the 2026 failure items, would provide essential reassurance regarding the long-term maintenance of this vehicle.