2006 Honda CR-V 2.0L Petrol · SO06 LXD

The most recent MOT history for this 2006 Honda CR-V reflects a vehicle that has passed its last test with no defects, though the immediate prior record reveals a pattern of recurring issues that demand closer scrutiny. The November 2025 retest—just eight months ago—showed no major faults, but the earlier failure on the same date highlighted persistent electrical and lighting problems, including a detached nearside position lamp and a near-failed stop lamp. This suggests the previous owner either addressed these quickly or overlooked them, as the same issues did not reappear in the clean 2025 pass. However, the 2024 failures paint a less reassuring picture: three non-working stop lamps, an inoperative engine management light, and severely worn tyres on both front wheels. The fact that these were rectified before the 2025 test indicates they were not ignored, but the frequency of electrical and consumable failures implies a vehicle that has seen inconsistent maintenance, particularly in areas prone to wear or corrosion. The CR-V’s mileage of 99,159 miles over 20 years—averaging just under 5,000 miles annually—is unusually low for its age, raising questions about whether it has been driven lightly or stood unused for extended periods. The gap between the 2023 pass (94,941 miles) and the 2024 failures (98,087 miles) suggests roughly 3,146 miles were covered in just over a year, a rate that, while still modest, does not explain the accelerated wear on components like the tyres and anti-roll bar linkage. The corrosion noted on the nearside rear sill in both 2024 tests, though described as slight, is worth monitoring, as rust in this area can compromise structural integrity over time. The absence of mileage spikes or dramatic drops in the record also means there’s limited evidence of aggressive driving or long-term neglect, but the low annual usage may have masked some underlying issues until they became critical. For a prospective buyer, the most urgent areas to inspect in person are the suspension and braking systems. The repeated advisories on deteriorating front lower arm bushes in 2024—coupled with the corroded anti-roll bar linkage—suggest the suspension is approaching a point where replacement may be necessary soon. Binding or worn bushes can lead to uneven tyre wear, poor handling, and even premature failure of other components. The tyres themselves, particularly the front pair, were at legal limits in 2024, and while they may have been replaced since, uneven wear patterns could still indicate alignment or suspension problems. The electrical system also warrants a thorough check: the multiple stop lamp failures and the inoperative engine management light point to either faulty wiring, corroded connections, or a failing lamp module. Given the vehicle’s age, the brake system should be tested for disc thickness, caliper binding, and fluid condition, as the 2024 record does not mention any brake-related advisories, but wear is inevitable at this mileage. Finally, the slight but persistent corrosion on the rear sill should be examined for spread or structural weakening, as this could become a serious issue if left unchecked.