1997 Honda Civic 1.5L Petrol · R473 ECR
1997 Honda Civic (1.5L, petrol). First registered 28/10/1997. Recorded mileage 111,150 miles. MOT valid until 06/11/2026. Taxed until 01/05/2027.
- Make & Model
- HONDA CIVIC
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 06/11/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/05/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 111,150 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1997
- Engine
- 1493cc
R473 ECR Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/11/2025
- 111,150 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
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R473 ECR Mileage History
- 27/10/2022108,833 mi
- 31/10/2023109,553 mi+720 mi
- 31/10/2023109,555 mi+2 mi
- 05/11/2024110,553 mi+998 mi
- 03/11/2025111,150 mi+597 mi
Average of roughly 767 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
R473 ECR MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Honda Civic (R473 ECR) between October 2022 and November 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 03 November 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (2 issues), Steering (1 issue), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Rear Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Offside Front Headlamp light intensity severely reduced (4.1.4 (a))”; “Nearside Front Headlamp light intensity severely reduced (4.1.4 (a))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A surprisingly well-preserved classic Honda Civic that offers low mileage for its age, provided the body is rust sound. However, a history of safety-related MOT failures suggests it requires a thorough mechanical inspection before purchase.
When viewing this R-reg Civic, your priority must be checking for rust. Hondas of this era are prone to corrosion in the wheel arches, sills, and rear wings. Ensure there is a documented service history to confirm that the timing belt has been replaced, as this item is critical given the 100,000-mile mark.\n Given the low mileage, the rubber components may have perished despite use. Check for cracks in the suspension and steering boots, as the 2023 failure noted a missing steering rack gaiter. Negotiate if you find signs of leaking from the shocks, as the car has been flagged for damping issues in the past.
The 1493cc petrol engine is relatively efficient, likely falling into a low insurance group and offering decent MPG. Tax for a vehicle of this age is generally minimal, though you should verify the specific band on the VLA website.\n\nMaintenance costs should be manageable as parts are widely available, thoughspecific trim is becoming harder to source. Expect an annual running cost of approximately £800-£1,000 inclusive of fuel, insurance, and routine servicing.
Pay close attention to the suspension and steering; the 2023 failure for a missing nearside steering rack gaiter indicates a potential for expensive steering damage if not maintained. You should also inspect the tyres thoroughly, as the car has suffered 'DANGEROUS' failures for structural tyre tears in 2019 and 2023.\n\nCheck the lighting system specifically. The history shows multiple failures for low intensity and dull headlamps, suggesting the lenses may need polishing or the bulbs to ensure safety. Additionally, inspect the exhaust system for leaks, as a major leak and lambda reading issue were recorded in 2018.
This 1997 Honda Civic has covered 111,150 miles, which is relatively low for a 29-year-old vehicle. While it has passed its last three MOT tests consecutively, the history shows a pattern of failures related to lighting, tyres, and structural components. The 1.5L engine is known for its durability, but the age of the car demands attention to preventative maintenance.
The 6th generation Honda Civics are renowned for engine longevity, provided the body remains free from rust.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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