2009 Honda CR-V 2.2L Diesel · WF09 NPU

The most recent DVSA examination on 10 April 2025 returned a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, and this outcome is consistent with the broader recent history of the vehicle. The 2022, 2023, and 2024 tests all passed without any advisories, indicating a stable and well-maintained mechanical trend rather than any deterioration in roadworthiness. One should note that an earlier test on 1 May 2024 was recorded as a failure with no defects listed, which typically denotes an administrative refusal or a test aborted before the inspection could be completed; the immediate retest three days later passed without issue, which strongly suggests the earlier entry was not related to a mechanical defect. Overall, the absence of recurring advisories across four consecutive passes is a positive indicator of consistent upkeep. The recorded mileage of 160,025 miles on a 2009 Honda CR-V equates to an annual average of approximately 9,413 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and suggests regular but moderate use rather than extremes of long-distance motorway running or prolonged periods of standing. This kind of usage profile tends to be favourable for mechanical longevity, as components such as the engine, transmission, clutch, and suspension benefit from regular operation and are less prone to the seized calipers, perished rubber, and degraded fluids associated with cars that have spent long periods idle. Equally, the mileage is not so high that one would expect imminent major drivetrain refurbishment, though consumable wear will naturally be present on a vehicle that has covered this distance. Although the MOT history is commendably clean, prospective buyers should not rely on test paperwork alone for a seventeen-year-old vehicle, particularly one that has crossed the 160,000-mile threshold. A thorough physical inspection should begin with the tyres, checking not only tread depth but also the sidewalls for cracking and perishing, which is common on age rather than mileage, and confirming that wear is even across the axle to rule out tracking, alignment, or suspension issues. The underside of the vehicle should be examined for corrosion, with particular attention to the rear arches, subframe, and brake lines, as the CR-V is known to suffer rust in these areas. Brake discs should be inspected for lipping and corrosion, especially given that the car has likely been left standing between uses, and the handbrake mechanism should be checked for binding. All fluid levels and condition should be assessed, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and the automatic or manual transmission fluid, with brake fluid ideally replaced every two years regardless of mileage due to its hygroscopic nature. During the test drive, the buyer should listen carefully for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension, which could indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or top mounts, all common wear items on a high-mileage CR-V. The steering should be assessed for play or vagueness, and any vibration through the wheel at speed could point to wheel balancing issues or worn suspension bushes. The engine should be observed from cold start, listening for any timing chain rattle on initial cranking and watching for blue smoke from the exhaust, which would suggest valve stem seal deterioration. The automatic gearbox, if fitted, should change smoothly without flare or harsh engagement, and the four-wheel-drive system, where applicable, should be verified for correct engagement. Finally, verify the service history independently, ensuring that cambelt, water pump, and major service intervals have been observed, and consider a compression test or diagnostic scan to confirm internal engine health before committing to purchase.