1998 HONDA CIVIC1.5L PETROL

The most recent MOT in May 2013 was a pass, but it came with several advisories that signal ongoing neglect. All four shock absorbers were misting oil, a brake pipe was slightly corroded, and the front tyre was near its legal limit. Across the MOT history from 2011, a clear pattern of age-related issues stands out. Shock absorber misting has been flagged on every test since 2012, making it a chronic problem. In 2012 the car also failed on excessive corrosion in front suspension mounting areas, though that was rectified to pass later that year. Earlier failures include an ABS fault and a split CV joint gaiter in 2011. The condition trend looks stable rather than worsening, but only because these persistent issues have been repeatedly accepted as advisories rather than fixed. The car is being held together for each test rather than restored, meaning the underlying corrosion and suspension wear continue to accumulate. The mileage sits at 85,591 at the last test, which equates to very light annual use for a 28-year-old car. Low-mileage driving at this age often points to long periods of inactivity, which can cause dry seals, seized components, and corrosion from damp storage.