2009 Honda Civic 1.3L Petrol · EA59 OVZ

A recurring pattern of suspension fluid leaks and progressive tyre wear defines this 2009 Honda Civic’s MOT history, with the most serious incident being a dangerous near‑side front tyre tread depth failure in August 2024 that forced a failure. Earlier that same test revealed a major fluid‑leaking rear shock absorber on the off‑side and a mis‑aimed near‑side headlamp, while a 2021 failure highlighted a serious front‑side shock leak and excessive play in the near‑side track‑rod end ball joint. Since then the car has cleared its MOT on two occasions, the latest in August 2025, passing with only a minor nearside rear registration‑plate lamp advisory, indicating that the most acute defects have been addressed but that the underlying suspension and tyre‑wear trends remain evident. The recorded 147,644 mi over 17 years averages roughly 8,700 mi per annum, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The MOT entries show a regular annual testing cadence with no prolonged gaps, suggesting the car has been driven consistently rather than sitting idle for extended periods. This steady accumulation of miles aligns with the observed wear on the tyre tread and the progressive deterioration of the shock absorbers, both of which are consumable components that naturally degrade with mileage and time. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the suspension system. Inspect the front and rear shock absorbers for any signs of oil seepage around the mounts or pistons, and listen for a pronounced knocking or bottoming‑out sensation when the car is driven over bumps or during hard braking. The near‑side track‑rod end ball joint, flagged for excessive play in 2021, should be checked for looseness by applying lateral force to the wheel at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions; any noticeable movement indicates the joint may need replacement. Tyre condition must be scrutinised carefully: the near‑side front tyre failed a dangerous tread‑depth test in 2024, and both front tyres have repeatedly been noted as close to the legal limit. Verify that tread depth exceeds 1.6 mm on all four corners and look for uneven wear patterns that could point to mis‑aligned steering or worn suspension bushes. The headlamp alignment issue recorded in 2024, together with the recurring nearside registration‑plate lamp failures, warrants a functional check of all exterior lighting, ensuring the side‑repeaters illuminate correctly and the headlamp beams are centred. The minor exhaust leak advisory from 2021 should be confirmed by a visual inspection of the exhaust manifold and pipes for soot or carbon deposits, and by listening for a faint hissing under acceleration. Addressing these items—replacing the leaking rear shock, potentially the front shock, renewing the front tyres, and correcting headlamp aim—will be essential to bring the vehicle to a robust road‑worthy state and to avoid further MOT failures.