2002 Honda Civic 1.6L Petrol · EU52 AFN

The most recent DVSA examination on 22 November 2025 resulted in a pass, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory roadworthiness requirements at the time of test. However, a closer review of the recent history shows a maintenance trend that is stable but not without warning signs. The 2025 test recorded an advisory for light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber, while the two preceding tests in 2023 and 2024 both carried advisories for an engine or gearbox oil leak described as not excessive. The 2022 test produced a failure for headlamp aim, alongside advisories for wearing front brake pads and a nearside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit, suggesting that consumable wear was actively progressing at that point. The fact that subsequent tests passed cleanly apart from these advisories implies the vehicle has been kept on the road, but the persistence of the oil leak advisory across multiple years warrants attention from any prospective buyer as it points to a chronic seal or gasket issue that has not been fully rectified. With a recorded mileage of 121,306 miles spread over approximately 24 years, this Civic has averaged around 5,054 miles annually, which is notably low for a vehicle of its vintage. This pattern is more consistent with short-trip urban use or extended periods of standing rather than continuous high-mileage motorway driving. While low annual mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine internals and clutch, it accelerates degradation of items affected by inactivity, including brake disc corrosion, fluid breakdown, rubber perishing, and 12V battery sulphation. There are no extended gaps in the MOT record, but the biennial rather than annual testing pattern in earlier years suggests the vehicle may have covered relatively few miles between some examinations, reinforcing the likelihood of standing periods. Given the advisory for oil misting on the offside front shock absorber, a physical inspection of the suspension is advisable. Light misting can progress to a more substantial leak over time, and on a test drive the buyer should listen for clonking or knocking noises over bumps, observe whether the vehicle sits level, and check for uneven tyre wear which often accompanies weakened dampers. The recurring oil leak advisory also deserves investigation; the buyer should look for fresh oil staining on the undercarriage, road surfaces beneath the parked car, and milky residue around filler caps, while monitoring the oil level between services to ensure it is not being topped up excessively. Given the vehicle's age, it is also worth inspecting the rear number plate lamp area for the deterioration previously noted and confirming the plate itself remains legible. Beyond the recorded advisories, several age and usage related checks are particularly important. The tyres, despite not currently flagged for wear, should be examined closely for sidewall cracking or perishing typical of rubber that has aged on a low-mileage vehicle, even if tread depth remains adequate. Brake calipers that have seized from infrequent use should be assessed for binding, and the brake fluid should be replaced regardless of condition due to its hygroscopic nature and calendar-based degradation over more than two years. The exhaust system, including mounts and the rear silencer, is prone to corrosion on a 24 year old car and warrants a thorough visual and tap test for structural integrity. The 12V battery should be load tested, coolant strength and age verified, and the cambelt or timing chain interval confirmed against service history, as these time-based service items are far more relevant to a low-mileage, long-owned vehicle than purely distance-related wear. Finally, a thorough road test on uneven surfaces and a raised inspection of the underside for corrosion, particularly around the rear arches and subframe mounting points common to this generation of Civic, would be prudent before purchase.