1998 Honda Civic 1.6L Petrol · R870 DLG

The 1998 Honda Civic holds a valid MOT pass dated 19 June 2026 at 115,995 miles, but the vehicle failed the test one week earlier on 12 June 2026 for non-functioning front headlamps, position lamps, excess carbon monoxide and worn tyres. This repeated pattern of basic compliance failures, following a similar June 2025 failure for headlamp and brake pad defects, reveals a worsening trend in routine upkeep despite the recent certificate. Structural and mechanical core items remain free of dangerous faults, yet the previous owner clearly deferred consumable and lighting maintenance. Recorded mileage stands at 115,995 over 28 years, an average of around 4,143 miles per year. The MOT entries show 107,141 miles on 10 June 2024, 110,539 at the 6 June 2025 failure and 110,541 at the pass three days later, then 115,995 by June 2026. Such low annual increments confirm light usage with no rapid accumulation, though prolonged standing likely contributed to the perished number plates and tyre edge wear noted in 2026. In the June 2024 test the examiner identified worn near and offside rear suspension arm pins or bushes and corroded front suspension mounting prescribed areas, classifying them not excessive. A buyer must physically inspect these bushes for further deterioration and check the mounting structures for advancing corrosion or damage. The June 2026 emissions failure demands verification that the exhaust system, lambda sensor or catalyst has been correctly remedied, as CO exceedance on a 1998 petrol engine signals incomplete combustion. Recurring front tyre wear on both edges across the 2025 and 2026 tests indicates alignment or suspension geometry faults rather than mere neglect. The repeated headlamp dipped beam and position lamp failures suggest wiring or bulb holder issues that require hands-on testing. Given the deteriorated registration plates and close-to-limit tyres carried as advisories on the latest pass, the new owner should budget for immediate consumable replacement and a full lighting circuit check.