2018 Honda CR-V 1.5L Petrol · SA68 FHS

The CR-V presents a largely reassuring roadworthiness profile, with the 2025-09-29 test passing without any recorded advisories and the prior 2024-09-25 examination also returning a clean result. Across five recorded tests spanning four years, the only substantive intervention was a dangerous failure at the 2024-09-24 inspection for both front tyres sitting below the legal 1.6mm tread threshold, a defect that was rectified within a single day given the subsequent pass. A single minor advisory appeared in 2023 regarding a deteriorated front registration plate, a cosmetic rather than mechanical concern. Overall, the trajectory is one of stability rather than deterioration, with no recurring advisories on suspension, braking, exhaust, or corrosion components, which is a positive indicator for a crossover of this age. With 63,160 miles recorded over eight years, annual usage sits at roughly 7,895 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this vintage and avoids the pitfalls associated with either excessive motorway accumulation or extended periods of standing. There are no significant mileage gaps between tests, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use throughout its life rather than being laid up for extended periods. This kind of consistent, moderate usage tends to be favourable for component longevity, keeping seals, brakes, suspension bushes, and drivetrain fluids working as intended without the drying-out or corrosion issues that often afflict low-mileage or stored cars. For a prospective buyer, the most actionable item from the history is attention to the front axle tyres, as the dangerous tread failure indicates that the vehicle can be run close to or beyond legal limits if not monitored. On a test drive, listen for suspension knocks or clonks over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, particularly from the front end, and pay attention to any steering vagueness or uneven tyre wear on the inside or outside shoulders, which could point to worn suspension linkages or alignment issues. Brake pedal feel should be firm and progressive without excessive travel, and any judder under braking would warrant inspection of the front discs for wear or warping given the mileage accumulated. Beyond the specific advisory areas, a thorough underbody examination is advisable given the vehicle's age and exposure to typical British winter conditions, with particular focus on the rear subframe mounting points, brake pipe corrosion, and exhaust box integrity, all of which become more common as these CR-Vs pass the seven-year mark. Inspect the engine bay for any oil misting around the valve cover gasket and check the coolant expansion tank for staining that could indicate slow leaks. Finally, verify that the tyres currently fitted are premium brand items with adequate tread across the full width, as the prior dangerous failure suggests the previous set may have been budget or part-worn items, and confirm the service history shows recent brake fluid replacement, as this is not flagged in the MOT record but is a time-based maintenance requirement on any vehicle approaching a decade in service.