2008 Honda FR-V 1.8L Petrol · WP08 AXM

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend of structural degradation. While it passed its most recent test in April 2026 at 104,450 miles, a major failure just five weeks prior highlighted significant mechanical and structural weaknesses. The March 2026 failure at 104,385 miles identified a lit list of defects including suspension wear and advanced corrosion, suggesting that the vehicle is entering a phase where preventative maintenance may become increasingly frequent and costly. The mileage profile is notably low for an 18-year-old vehicle, approximately 5,800 miles per year. The car covered 5,451 miles between March 2024 and March 2025, and another 3,564 miles between March 2025 and March 2026. This low usage often correlates with the perishing of rubber-based components, which is evidenced by the multiple reports of cracked tyres and worn suspension bushes recorded in the 2024 and 2026 tests. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the underbody structural integrity. The records from 2024 and 2026 consistently flag corrosion across the inner sills, rear sub-frame, and central crash bar. Although the tester previously noted that structural rigidity was not yet significantly reduced, the presence of corrosion on the outer sill and inner arch indicates a progressive issue that requires monitoring. Attention should also be paid to the coil springs, as all four were flagged for corrosion in 2024. The suspension system requires close scrutiny due to recurring worn anti-roll bar linkages and lower suspension arm bushes. The March 2026 test also identified a binding nearside rear brake, which should be checked for caliper seized or excessive pad wear. Given the age of the vehicle and the low mileage, the buyer should verify that the previously perished tyres and faulty wiper blades have been replaced despite the recent pass.