2002 Honda Civic 1.6L Petrol · EK02 AAZ

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a consistent pattern of reactive rather than proactive care. As of the most recent test in January 2026 at 126,884 miles, the car passed with multiple advisories related to cosmetic wear and minor de-lamation. While the vehicle is passing its tests, the recurring failures regarding lighting and tyre condition suggest that the owner only addresses defects when they threaten an MOT pass rather than performing routine preventative maintenance. At 126,884 miles, this 24-year-old Honda has covered a low annual average of approximately 5,300 miles per year. The data shows consistent usage over short intervals, with roughly 3,200 miles driven between February 2024 and January 2025, and another 2,452 miles between January 2025 and January 2026. This low mileage generally reduces mechanical strain on the drivetrain but increases the risk of rubber component perishability and fluid seals failing due to age rather than use. A buyer must closely inspect the engine bay for the oil leak that has been noted since at least February 2024. While the tester described it as not excessive, a persistent leak on a vehicle of this age often indicates aging gaskets or oil seals that will eventually worsen. The January 2024 failure regarding an inoperative Malfunction Indicator Lamp is also a concern, as it prevents the vehicle from reporting critical engine or emission faults, potentially masking serious mechanical issues. The recurring failures for tyres worn to the legal limit or on edges in 2025 and 2026 indicate potential alignment issues or a simple lack of attention to basic consumable upkeep. Given the age of the car, a physical inspection should also focus on structural corrosion around the sills, wheel arches, and suspension mounting points, as these areas are common failure points for this generation of Civic that are not always captured in standard MOT advisories until they become significant.