2009 Honda Accord 2.2L Diesel · DU09 ATX

The 2009 Honda Accord presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent test, conducted on 15 October 2025 at 185,162 miles, resulted in a pass, yet the tester flagged general under-body rust and corroded under-components alongside a severely deteriorated offside front outer CV boot. This indicates that while the vehicle met the minimum legal standard on the day, structural corrosion and a critical drivetrain seal were actively deteriorating. The trend is not clearly improving. A recurring pattern of suspension wear and minor electrical faults persists, and the latest advisories suggest deferred attention to corrosion protection and a driveshaft joint that will soon require replacement to prevent joint failure and loss of lubricant. The mileage accumulation of roughly 10,892 miles per year is typical for a vehicle of this age and does not raise immediate concern over excessive use or suspiciously low recorded distances. The record shows a gap between the October 2022 test at 149,505 miles and the October 2023 test at 160,564 miles, representing approximately 11,059 miles in twelve months. The subsequent jump to 185,162 miles by October 2025 is more significant, covering 24,598 miles in two years, or around 12,299 miles annually. This is still within a normal range but reflects a period of heavier use that will have accelerated wear on consumables, suspension bushes, brakes, and drivetrain components. Prospective buyers should focus their inspection on the structural underside of the vehicle. The October 2025 advisory regarding general under-body rust and corroded under-components is a serious indicator that protective coatings may have broken down. Examine the sills, subframes, brake lines, fuel lines, and mounting points for advanced corrosion, as this can compromise structural integrity and lead to costly repairs. The severely deteriorated offside front outer CV boot is a critical finding. A split or perished boot allows grease to escape and contaminants to enter the joint, leading to clicking under load and eventual joint failure. This requires prompt replacement of the boot or the entire driveshaft assembly. The suspension system also demands close scrutiny. Light oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber appeared in both the October 2022 and October 2023 tests, suggesting a slow but persistent loss of damping fluid. Slight play in the nearside front inner track rod end ball joint was flagged in October 2023, and nearside rear anti-roll bar linkage play was noted in October 2022. These are classic signs of ageing rubber bushes and worn ball joints that affect steering precision and ride stability. Have a technician check for play in all suspension linkages, drop links, and track rod ends, and assess whether the shock absorbers still provide adequate damping. While the vehicle has consistently passed its MOTs, the accumulation of these minor but recurring faults points to a car that has been kept roadworthy rather than meticulously maintained.