HONDA CIVIC1997 · 1.4L PETROL

The roadworthiness status of this vehicle is critical due to a complete lack of testing data for over thirteen years. The last recorded MOT occurred in November 2012 at 96,859 miles, meaning the car has not undergone a formal safety inspection since it was fifteen old. While the 2012 result shows a successful pass following a series of failures, the absence of recent records makes it impossible to verify the current state of the braking system, structural integrity, or emissions-related de-pollution components. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 29-year-old Honda, averaging approximately 3,340 miles per year. The data shows consistent usage between 2009 and 2012, with the vehicle covering roughly 30,000 miles in that three-year window. However, the fourteen-year gap since the 2012 test suggests the vehicle likely sat stationary for long periods or was used informally. Such neglect often leads to the degradation of rubber components, internal fluid breakdown, and seized mechanical parts, which may pose a much higher risk than what the low odometer reading suggests. A physical inspection must focus on the areas that previously showed signs of wear. The November 2012 failure highlighted a damaged nearside front CV joint gaiter and a deteriorated ball joint dust cover, alongside a parking brake with insufficient travel. A buyer should inspect all rubber boots for perished cracks and verify the handbrake mechanism has not seized or worn out. Given the age and the likely periods of inactivity, a thorough check for corrosion on the sills, suspension arches, and exhaust system is mandatory, as these are the primary failure points for low-mileage vehicles of this era.