2004 HONDA CIVIC1.6L Petrol

The vehicle presents a concerning trend of worsening suspension component degradation despite passing its most recent MOT on 5 August 2025 at 76,072 miles. While the car remains roadworthy, the tester flagged a worn offside front lower suspension arm bush and severely deteriorated ball joint dust covers on both the nearside and offside front. This pattern of deterioration is not isolated; the 2 September 2024 test at 69,540 miles also identified worn suspension arm bushes and deteriorated ball joint covers. The recurring nature of these faults suggests that while components are being replaced or monitored, the underlying wear on the front suspension assembly is progressing. The mileage profile shows a vehicle that has been driven very sparingly, averaging approximately 3,458 miles per year over its 22-year lifespan. The recorded data shows a consistent, low-volume usage pattern, with the mileage increasing from 48,523 in July 2020 to 76,072 in August 2025. This low annual mileage often leads to secondary issues such as rubber perishability. The 2022 test at 55,728 miles specifically noted cracking and perishing on the nearside and offside rear tyres, which is a common consequence of vehicles sitting idle for extended periods. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension geometry and the condition of all rubber bushings. The MOT history indicates a long-term struggle with ball joint dust covers and suspension arm bushes, which have appeared as advisory or failure items across multiple years, including 2015, 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. The tester should check for any excessive play in the steering and suspension components to ensure the recent advisories have not progressed into mechanical failures. Attention must also be paid to the braking system and tyre condition. Although brake pad thickness and pipe corrosion were issues in the 2017 test at 28,329 miles, the recent records focus more on suspension. However, the recurring issues with tyres being worn to the legal limit or perishing, seen in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2021, and 2024, suggest that maintenance of consumables has been inconsistent. Checking the integrity of the brake lines and the age of the current tyre set is essential to ensure the vehicle's low-mileage usage has not resulted in aged, brittle rubber components.