2012 Honda CR-V 2.2L Diesel · RO61 KCF

The most recent DVSA examination on 1 October 2025 returned a Pass with no defects or advisories recorded, and this continues a clearly stable pattern established over the previous two annual tests in September 2024 and September 2023, which were likewise passed without recorded issues. A historic failure on 14 September 2022 was immediately followed by a Pass the very next day, suggesting the vehicle was rectified and retested promptly rather than left with a persistent mechanical fault, and there has been no recurrence of that defect over the subsequent three test cycles. Overall, the maintenance trend as evidenced by the MOT record is firmly stable, with no emerging advisories relating to wear items such as brakes, tyres, suspension components, or exhaust system, which is a positive indicator for a vehicle of this age and mileage. With 129,446 miles recorded over approximately 14 years, this Honda CR-V has covered around 9,246 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a privately owned family SUV of its era and suggests neither excessive motorway use nor prolonged periods of standing. The mileage progression between tests appears reasonably consistent, indicating regular use that should have helped preserve mechanical components from the sort of degradation associated with long lay-ups, such as seized brake calipers, dried crankshaft seals, or perished cooling system hoses. That said, even at average annual mileage, a petrol or diesel CR-V of this vintage will have consumed consumables at a predictable rate, so items such as brake discs and pads, drive belts, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid (where applicable) should be assumed to have been replaced at least once or twice across the vehicle's life, and evidence of this should be sought in the service documentation. Given the clean MOT record, there are no specific recurring defects to investigate, but a prospective buyer should still carry out age- and mileage-appropriate physical inspections that fall outside the scope of the standard DVSA test. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking or perishing caused by ultraviolet exposure over fourteen years, regardless of tread depth, as rubber deteriorates with age and a tyre that looks serviceable can still be structurally compromised. The braking system, while currently passing, should be inspected for binding calipers or surface corrosion on the discs, particularly given that 129,000 miles will almost certainly have worn the original discs to their minimum thickness at some point; feel for any pulsing or shuddering under firm braking during a test drive, and listen for grinding or scraping from the rear hubs which can indicate a seized handbrake mechanism. The 12V battery should be load-tested if there is any doubt, as a fourteen-year-old original unit is well beyond its expected service life and failure can leave the vehicle stranded even though it is not an MOT-testable item. Further checks should include a thorough visual inspection of the underbody and suspension components for corrosion, particularly around the rear arches, subframe mounting points, and exhaust mounting rubbers, as the CR-V is known to suffer in these areas over time. The cooling system warrants attention to the radiator, water pump, and thermostat housing for any signs of staining or weeping, and the coolant itself should be checked for its age, as manufacturers typically recommend renewal every five to ten years and aged coolant loses its corrosion-inhibiting properties. During the test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, top mounts, or coil springs, and pay attention to the operation of the four-wheel-drive system (where fitted) for any binding, vibration, or unusual noises on full lock or at low speed. Verify that the service book is fully stamped at the correct intervals, that the timing belt or chain has been replaced in line with manufacturer schedules, and that any aftermarket modifications are properly documented, as a well-maintained Honda CR-V of this mileage and age represents a sound mechanical proposition provided these supplementary inspections are carried out.