2004 Honda Civic 1.6L Petrol · DC04 AEP

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend that appears to be worsening as it ages. While the June 2026 test at 116,322 miles resulted in a pass, the inspector flagged multiple issues including corrosion to the vehicle structure and damaged dust covers on both nearside and offside front lower steering ball joints. This follows a failure in June 2025 at 110,581 miles regarding excessively worn front suspension arm bushes. The recurrence of structural and suspension-related defects suggests that while the car remains roadworthy, the underlying mechanical and structural integrity is beginning to degrade. The mileage profile shows a vehicle that has been driven relatively little for its age, averaging approximately 5,287 miles per year. There is a notable period of inactivity between May 2022 and June 2023, where the mileage only increased from 71,836 to 95,505 miles. More recently, the vehicle has seen more consistent use, covering roughly 5,500 miles between the June 2025 and June 2026 tests. This low annual mileage can often lead to issues with perished rubber components and seized parts, which is reflected in the recent findings regarding damaged ball joint dust covers and worn tyres. A prospective buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the vehicle's underside and sills. The May 2022 test recorded significant corrosion to the nearside and offside rear suspension component mounting areas, which reduced the structural strength of the sills. Although the June 2026 report states structural rigidity is not significantly reduced, the presence of corrosion is a progressive issue that requires close monitoring. The tester also noted that the front tyres are worn close to the legal limit, indicating that basic consumable maintenance has been deferred. Mechanical attention should also be directed toward the braking and steering systems. The record shows a history of binding service brakes, specifically in June 2023 and May 2022. Given the recent reports of damaged steering ball joint covers and worn suspension bushes, the front end of the vehicle likely requires significant component replacement to ensure stable handling. Checking for any signs of recent brake work or leaks from the steering assembly is essential before purchase.