2004 Honda Civic 1.6L Petrol · FT04 MHY

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of reactive repairs rather than proactive upkeep. The most recent test in July 2025 at 82,221 miles followed a significant failure just one day prior. That failure involved multiple front suspension bushes, steering linkage ball joints, and a structural tyre failure. While the car passed the subsequent test after these issues were addressed, the recurring nature of the front steering and suspension faults suggests that components are only replaced once they reach a point of legal failure. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 82,221 miles is exceptionally low, averaging only approximately 3,700 miles per year. This low usage explains the-related degradation of rubber-based components noted in the record. Between September 2023 and July 2025, the vehicle covered only 4,240 miles, yet it suffered from issues including perishing tyres and fractured coil springs. This indicates that while the car is not driven frequently, the materials are losing their integrity due to age and oxidation rather than mechanical wear. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension assembly and braking system. The records from 2023 and 2024 consistently flag corrosion on the Macpherson struts, anti-roll bars, and suspension arms. Although these were marked as not seriously weakened at the time, the presence of widespread rust on a low-mileage vehicle often accelerates. The brake hose corrosion noted in 2023 should be verified for further cracking or swelling, as low-use vehicles often suffer from degraded hydraulic lines. Final attention should be paid to the headlamp lenses and tyres, which have been flagged for defects or damage across three of the last four tests. Given the history of structural tyre failure and perishing, the current set must be checked for sidewall cracking regardless of remaining tread depth. The vehicle appears to be a low-mileage older example where the primary risks are age-related corrosion and rubber fatigue rather than high-mile mechanical strain.