2009 Honda Civic 2.2L Diesel · HJ09 GVF

The vehicle remains roadworthy as of its most recent MOT on 2025-07-02, but the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. The failure just prior, on 2025-06-19, revealed multiple suspension bushings and shock absorber issues on both sides, alongside thin front brake pads — all of which were also flagged in the passing test. This indicates that while the car passed, the underlying wear is persistent and likely accelerating, especially in the front suspension and braking systems. The fact that the same brake pad wear appeared in both the failed and passed tests suggests either incomplete repair or continued deterioration without intervention. Mileage progression shows a steady climb, with 155,516 miles recorded in July 2025 — just 31 miles above the previous test’s 155,485 miles. This minimal increase over a 13-day window is unusual and suggests the vehicle may have been stationary or driven very little between tests, or that the odometer reading was not updated accurately. Over the prior 12 months, the car accumulated 12,212 miles — roughly 1,000 miles per month — which is consistent with normal usage for a 17-year-old vehicle. No significant mileage spikes or gaps are evident in the record, so the wear patterns appear to be tied to regular use rather than sudden bursts or long periods of inactivity. Buyers should inspect the front suspension components closely, particularly the shock absorbers and steering rack joints, as these have been repeatedly flagged since 2023. The recurring brake pad wear, even after replacement, warrants a full brake system check — including caliper binding and disc thickness. Structural corrosion noted in 2023 remains classified as non-critical, but should be assessed for progression, especially around the front body panels. The exhaust emissions failure in 2024 points to a potential engine or ECU issue that may have been resolved, but should be verified with a diagnostic scan. Tyre wear has been a recurring concern since 2024, suggesting alignment or suspension misalignment issues that need addressing before purchase.