2010 Honda Accord 2.2L Diesel · FD10 RVP

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT in March 2024, although this followed a failure involving dangerous tyre wear and a major suspension ball joint defect. Looking at the broader history, the maintenance trend is reactive rather than proactive, with recurring advisories for suspension wear and a significant failure in 2019 due to excessive engine oil leaks. While the car is currently roadworthy, the frequency of suspension-related advisories and the nature of the previous failures suggest a vehicle that is being maintained only to the minimum legal standard rather than through a comprehensive preventative schedule. With a recorded mileage of 240,895 miles over sixteen years, this vehicle has averaged approximately 15,000 miles per annum. This is considerably higher than the national average and indicates heavy usage, likely involving long-distance commuting. Such high mileage places significant stress on the drivetrain, engine internals, and all chassis components. A buyer should expect accelerated wear on the clutch, alternator, and various rubber seals, as well as a higher probability of fatigue in the structural mounting points and suspension geometry. During a physical inspection, priority must be given to the suspension and steering. The history of worn suspension arm bushes and ball joints, combined with repeated advisories for inner tyre wear, strongly suggests a misalignment or failing bushings that affect the vehicle's tracking. On a test drive, listen for knocking or clunking sounds when traversing uneven surfaces and check for any instability or pulling under braking. The current advisory regarding the rear anti-roll bar bushes should be investigated, as worn bushes can lead to increased body roll and diminished handling precision. Particular attention should be paid to the engine's oil integrity given the previous record of excessive leaks. Inspect the engine bay for fresh oil residue and verify that the oil level is correct and the fluid is not milky, which would indicate coolant contamination. Given the extreme mileage, it is essential to verify the service history for timing belt replacements and transmission fluid changes. Finally, examine the brake discs for deep scoring or pitting and check the tyre sidewalls for cracking, as the high-mileage nature of the car often leads to a cycle of budget tyre replacements that may lack longevity.