2009 Honda Civic 1.8L Petrol · FL59 NBG

The 2009 Honda Civic presents a stable and largely improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass at its most recent MOT on 26 August 2025 at 108,251 miles. That test recorded only minor advisories, specifically slightly defective headlamp lenses on both sides and an illuminated tyre pressure warning lamp. The tyre pressure warning is a dashboard indicator rather than a mechanical failure, though it warrants checking the sensors and tyre pressures. The recurring headlamp lens defects, noted in both 2024 tests and again in 2025, suggest gradual plastic lens weathering typical of a 17-year-old vehicle. This is a cosmetic and optical issue, not a structural concern, but it can scatter light output and may worsen over time. Mileage accumulation tells a consistent story. The vehicle has covered 108,251 miles over roughly 17 years, averaging approximately 6,368 miles per year, which is typical for a lightly used urban or suburban car. Looking at the test intervals, the Civic covered 3,842 miles between the September 2023 pass at 103,034 miles and the September 2024 test at 106,876 miles, then added just 1,375 miles in the following 11 months to reach 108,251 miles by August 2025. This tapering of annual mileage in recent years suggests the car may have been used less frequently or for shorter trips, which can accelerate certain issues like battery drain and moisture ingress in lighting units, both of which appear in the record. The 2024 failure is the most revealing entry. The tester flagged an insecure battery at risk of falling from its carrier, along with multiple lamp failures including both rear stop lamps and a side repeater. These were all rectified before the same-day retest passed. The 2023 failure is more mechanically significant. The tester identified a deteriorated dust cover on the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint, meaning the protective boot had failed and was no longer sealing out dirt and water. This is a suspension component that, left unreplaced, can lead to accelerated joint wear, knocking noises, and compromised handling. The fact it was repaired and not flagged again suggests it was addressed, but a buyer should still inspect the front suspension closely. A prospective buyer should physically examine the front anti-roll bar linkages for play, check the battery mounting tray and terminals for corrosion, and inspect all lamp units for moisture ingress or cracked lenses. The headlamp lenses should be assessed for UV hazing, and the tyre pressure monitoring system sensors should be interrogated with a diagnostic tool. Underneath, a visual check for corrosion on subframes, brake lines, and suspension mounting points is advisable given the vehicle's age, even though no structural defects have appeared on record.