1996 Honda Civic 1.4L Petrol · N571 DWE

This 1996 Honda Civic has a concerning recent history that suggests a sharp decline in maintenance standards. While it passed its most recent MOT in May 2026, the failure just two weeks prior was extensive, covering critical safety areas including braking imbalances, insecure brake pipes, missing suspension split pins, and emissions failures. The vehicle's condition trend is worsening. After a clean pass in 2023 and minor issues in 2024, the 2026 failure indicates a systemic neglect of the chassis and braking system. The recurring theme of binding brakes and insecure components suggests the car may have been poorly maintained or stored for periods without proper upkeep. The recorded mileage of 133,232 is low for a 30-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 4,441 miles per year. In this context, the low mileage likely reflects periods of standing rather than gentle use, which often leads to the seized calipers, perished rubber, and deteriorated components seen in the MOT reports. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system and suspension mounting points. Specifically, check for brake pedal feel and any signs of corrosion on the brake pipes. Given the recent emissions failures, a road test to assess engine performance and exhaust quality is essential.