2008 Honda Civic 1.3L Petrol · FE08 SWF

A pattern of small but persistent advisories, combined with two failed attempts during the recent testing cycle, defines the roadworthiness picture for this 2008 Honda Civic. The most recent test on 15 June 2026 produced both a failure and a pass on the same day, with the failure attributed to both front windscreen wipers failing to clear the glass effectively, while a pass was issued once that was presumably rectified. Alongside those outcomes, the examiner recorded a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and on its edge, plus a minor exhaust gas leak. Looking further back, the earlier history is mostly clean with two completely defect-free passes in 2021 and 2022, but there is a 2021 fail for all stop lamps not working, classed as dangerous, and a 2020 advisory for light oil misting or limited damping on the offside front shock absorber. A 2023 advisory flagged corrosion to integral body structure without significant reduction in rigidity, and a minor was issued for a deteriorated nearside front track rod end dust cover. Overall, the trend is not deteriorating dramatically, but it is a car that is now generating more wear-related items than it did in its earlier recorded tests. With 152,012 miles accumulated over roughly 18 years, this Civic has averaged around 8,445 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of its age and consistent with regular commuter or family use rather than long periods of standing. The mileage progression across the recorded tests is steady rather than erratic, with no obvious large gaps between annual readings that would suggest extended lay-up, and equally no sudden jumps that would imply very high-intensity use. Mechanically, this kind of mileage on a vehicle of this generation places the usual wear items near the end of their service life: suspension components, bushes, engine and gearbox mountings, clutch operation, and general under-bonnet consumables will all have seen significant working cycles. The MOT record does not, however, show any repeat advisories on engine or gearbox mounts, oil leaks, or major brake or exhaust components beyond the minor leak just noted, which is a moderately positive indicator given the odometer reading. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the components that have already been flagged, starting with the suspension and steering. The 2020 advisory for offside front shock absorber oil misting or reduced damping effect should be investigated by pressing down firmly on each front corner with the vehicle stationary and releasing, listening for any continued oscillation that suggests the damper is no longer controlling the spring effectively. The 2023 minor for the nearside front outer track rod end dust cover being damaged means the joint should be inspected for play by grasping the wheel at nine and three o'clock and rocking, feeling for any knock or slack that would indicate worn steering linkage. Both front suspension arms, bushes, and the anti-roll bar drop links are also worth a visual check for perishing, splitting, or corrosion, given the mileage and age. The body and underside deserve close scrutiny because of the 2023 advisory regarding integral body structural corrosion, even though the examiner judged structural rigidity not to be significantly reduced at that time. Rust can progress quickly between tests, so it is worth placing the car on a ramp or using a torch to inspect inner sills, chassis rails, suspension mounting points, subframe, and brake and fuel pipe runs for any bubbling, flaking, or live corrosion that has worsened since the last test. The recent front tyre edge wear on the nearside, recorded in June 2026, could point to a geometry issue such as worn wishbone bushes, a tired strut, or simply an alignment problem, so a test drive should include checking for steering pull to one side, uneven steering effort, or vibration through the wheel. Finally, confirm full operation of all brake lights, indicators, and the horn in view of the 2021 dangerous failure for all stop lamps not working, and on the road listen for any exhaust ticking or smell of fumes suggesting the minor leak has progressed, as well as ensuring both front wipers sweep the screen cleanly across the full arc without smearing.