2004 Honda Accord 2.4L Petrol · GD53 AEJ

The 2004 Honda Accord’s most recent MOT test on 2025-09-26—just ten months prior to today—confirms it passed without defects, though it was retested the day before after a failure at the same mileage (158,761). This pattern of consecutive passes and fails at identical mileages suggests either a minor administrative oversight in the first test or a temporary operational issue resolved before the retest. No recurring mechanical faults are logged, which implies the vehicle has not experienced persistent failures in brakes, suspension, or emissions systems over the past two years. However, the lack of advisories or minor defects in any test raises questions about whether routine maintenance—such as fluid checks, tyre condition, or minor wear items—has been consistently addressed. The recorded mileage of 158,761 miles over 22 years equates to approximately 7,200 miles annually, a rate that aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. There are no significant gaps in mileage between tests, though the 2023-2024 period shows a slight acceleration from 153,690 to 154,015 miles in just 11 months. This suggests no prolonged periods of neglect or excessive wear from high mileage. The most notable observation is the identical mileage at both the 2024 and 2025 failures, which may indicate the vehicle was either stationary or driven very little between those dates, possibly due to ownership changes or seasonal storage. Given the absence of recorded defects or advisories in any MOT test, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of high-wear components that are not routinely checked in an MOT. Focus on the suspension—particularly the condition of rear coil springs and bushes, which are prone to fatigue in vehicles of this age—and verify there is no excessive play or corrosion at mounting points. The braking system, while not flagged in tests, should be scrutinised for uneven wear on discs or pads, as well as the integrity of caliper slides and hydraulic lines, which are not always fully assessed in an MOT. Additionally, inspect the underbody for signs of structural corrosion, especially around the sills, subframe, and exhaust system, as these are critical to long-term roadworthiness. The lack of advisories does not guarantee these areas are in perfect condition, so visual and functional checks are essential.