2004 Honda Accord 2.4L Petrol · AX04 XHD

The most recent MOT on 6 January 2024 was passed, but it recorded a minor fault on both front side repeater lenses and two advisories – a non‑excessive oil leak and rear brake pads wearing thin on both sides. Over the last six years the pattern has moved from a clean record in 2016‑2017 to a growing list of advisories: tyre wear on all four corners, a deteriorating CV boot, slight play in the front upper suspension arm ball joint, thin front brake pads, a steering rack with slight free play and recurring oil‑leak advisories. Although none of these items have caused a failure, the cumulative trend is one of gradual deterioration rather than improvement, indicating that routine maintenance may have been uneven. At 106,550 mi the car averages just under 5,000 mi per year, well below the typical usage for a 22‑year‑old vehicle. Such low annual mileage often points to periods of prolonged storage or very light use, which can be as detrimental as high mileage because components age on the calendar as well as through wear. The low mileage reduces the expected wear on engine internals and drivetrain bearings, but it also raises the likelihood of rubber hardening, tyre perishing, battery sulphation and corrosion developing in suspension and brake hardware that has not been exercised regularly. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the tyre set, as the MOT history shows rear tyres previously flagged for cracking and both front and rear tyres repeatedly close to the legal tread limit. Inspect the sidewalls for dry rot, cracking or bulging and verify that the tread depth exceeds 3 mm on all four wheels; uneven wear may indicate mis‑aligned suspension or worn bushings. The oil‑leak advisory, though not excessive, warrants locating the source – a leaking valve cover gasket, oil filter housing or rear main seal – and checking for oil on the underside of the engine, the exhaust manifold and the ground beneath the car. Persistent leaks can lead to oil starvation of the cam chain or crankshaft bearings and may attract dirt into the sump. The rear brake pads are already thin; examine the discs for scoring or rust, feel for any pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes, and ensure the calipers move freely without binding. The front upper suspension arm ball joint with slight play and the CV boot that was severely deteriorated in 2022 should be inspected for excessive movement, grease leakage or torn rubber, as failure can produce clunking noises over bumps and can eventually compromise steering geometry. The steering rack’s slight free play noted in 2019 should be checked for any looseness in the steering feel, especially under load, and for any leaking rack fluid. Given the vehicle’s age and low utilisation, the buyer should also verify the condition of age‑sensitive items. Examine the 12 V battery for sulphation, check the electrolyte level if accessible, and consider a load test; a battery that has sat for long periods often loses capacity. Inspect the exhaust system for corrosion, especially around the muffler and pipe joints, and look for any signs of rust on the chassis, wheel arches and under‑body panels that could indicate water ingress during storage. Confirm that coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the recommended intervals – fluids degrade with time even if the car is not driven often – and look for any moisture or sediment in the reservoirs. Finally, request a full service book stamp record; regular oil changes, timing‑belt or chain service (if applicable) and periodic valve clearance checks will be essential to ensure the engine remains reliable despite the relatively low mileage.