2009 Honda CR-V 2.0L Petrol · SW59 MLU

The most recent MOT test, conducted on 2025-09-15, resulted in a clean pass, marking a positive turnaround from the previous year’s failure. However, the vehicle’s MOT history reveals a pattern of advisories and one major failure, indicating that while the car has maintained roadworthiness in recent years, underlying issues have persisted or resurfaced. The failure in 2022-09-30—where the offside rear wheel arch mounting was deemed excessively damaged—signifies a critical structural weakness that could compromise suspension integrity or wheel alignment over time, particularly under heavy loads or rough terrain. The subsequent advisories in 2023, including the central prop shaft flexible coupling deterioration and exhaust mounting defects, suggest ongoing wear in drivetrain and exhaust systems, which, if ignored, may lead to further mechanical failure or emissions non-compliance. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 133,080 miles at a 2009 model year represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 7,828 miles per year, which is within the expected range for a car of this age. However, the mileage data alone does not fully account for periods of inactivity, which can accelerate wear in components like brakes, suspension bushes, and fluids that degrade over time rather than mileage. The significant gap between the 2022 failure and the 2023 advisories—spanning nearly a year—may imply that the vehicle was either not driven regularly or experienced prolonged periods of standing, which can exacerbate issues such as brake binding, fluid stagnation, or corrosion in standing parts like the handbraze mechanism or exhaust hanger brackets. For a prospective buyer, this Honda CR-V warrants a meticulous inspection focused on the recurring advisories and structural concerns. The central prop shaft flexible coupling, rated as deteriorated, will require replacement within the next 5,000 to 10,000 miles or when experiencing symptoms such as unusual vibrations at highway speeds, clunking noises during acceleration, or reduced drivetrain efficiency. The broken rear exhaust mounting hanger is a critical advisory; a test drive should reveal a rattling or loose exhaust system, especially when cornering or braking, as this could lead to emissions leaks or structural damage. The offside and nearside rear tyres showing feathering and inner-edge wear indicate uneven load distribution, which may stem from misaligned wheels, warped brake discs, or worn suspension components. Inspect for uneven tread depth, cracks, or separation in the sidewall, and listen for clunking or bouncing in the rear suspension during cornering or over bumps. Additionally, given the vehicle’s age and the potential for standing-related issues, the buyer should verify the handbraze mechanism for binding or excessive play, as the 2023 advisory suggests minimal reserve travel—a condition that could lead to unsafe engagement during emergency stops. Check for fluid leaks under the vehicle, particularly around the exhaust, drivetrain, and wheel bearings, and confirm that all fluids—oil, brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid—are at the correct levels and free of contamination. Inspect the brake system for corrosion on discs or calipers, particularly on the offside side where the wheel arch failure was noted, as standing corrosion can cause binding or reduced braking efficiency. Lastly, since the car has been driven at a moderate pace, the buyer should also examine the tyre sidewalls for signs of perishing or cracking, which can indicate long-term exposure to UV degradation or overheating, and test the 12V battery for voltage output and charge cycle performance, as older vehicles are more susceptible to failure from prolonged disuse. A thorough service history check for scheduled maintenance—such as suspension bush replacements, exhaust repairs, and drivetrain inspections—will further clarify the vehicle’s maintenance record and help mitigate future risks.