2005 Honda CR-V 2.0L Petrol · SJ54 ABU

The most recent MOT test on 5 August 2025 confirms the vehicle remains roadworthy, though with persistent minor issues that have not been fully resolved. The trend over the past 18 months is one of consistent, low-severity faults—primarily rear suspension wear, tyre tread concerns, and corrosion—rather than worsening deterioration. The nearside rear anti-roll bar ball joint and suspension bushes show recurring play, while the rear tyres have repeatedly been noted as worn close to the legal limit, suggesting either deferred maintenance or inconsistent tyre rotation. Corrosion remains a recurring theme, particularly around the sub-frames and rear suspension mounts, though the tester has consistently classified it as non-critical. The latest test’s advisories indicate no immediate structural failure risks, but the pattern implies the vehicle has not undergone comprehensive servicing or suspension refreshes. The recorded mileage of 96,957 miles over 21 years—approximately 4,600 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, suggesting either light usage or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gap between tests varies, with the longest interval between failures in November 2023 and the subsequent pass in February 2025 covering just 576 miles. This suggests the vehicle was likely stationary or rarely driven during that period, which could accelerate certain forms of wear, such as tyre degradation and suspension corrosion. The consistency in mileage between tests (e.g., 96,247 to 96,802 miles in under a year) implies no rapid degradation, but the overall low mileage does not offset the recurring MOT findings. A buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the rear suspension components, particularly the anti-roll bar linkages and mounting bushes, as these have been flagged in every test since 2023. The nearside rear inner seat belt anchorage failed in November 2024, indicating potential structural weakening—this should be visually inspected for cracks or corrosion. Tyres, especially the offside rear, have been repeatedly near the legal limit; verify tread depth and check for uneven wear patterns that could suggest alignment issues. The sub-frames and rear suspension mounts exhibit corrosion, though not yet classified as excessive; close examination of the underbody for rust penetration into critical load-bearing areas is essential. Oil leaks have been noted twice, so confirm there are no visible drips or stains under the engine bay. While the vehicle passes MOTs, these recurring issues suggest deferred maintenance rather than immediate failure risks.