2008 Honda Civic 2.2L Diesel · HT57 AZU

The 2008 Honda Civic’s most recent MOT, conducted on 15 October 2025 at 140,291 miles, passed but highlighted critical recurring issues: binding rear brakes, a worn near-side anti-roll bar ball joint, and thin front brake pads. This pattern suggests a worsening trend in suspension and braking integrity, with the rear brakes and anti-roll bar components failing to meet minimum standards over multiple tests. The October 2025 advisories indicate no major structural failures, but the persistent play in the front anti-roll bar ball joints—first noted in November 2023 and confirmed in subsequent tests—implies prolonged neglect of suspension alignment or wear. Buyers should treat this as a vehicle requiring immediate professional assessment of brake hydraulic function and suspension bushings, as delayed attention risks progressive damage to the steering and braking systems. The recorded mileage of 140,291 miles over 18 years reflects an average of approximately 7,800 miles annually, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. However, the MOT history reveals a concerning gap between the November 2022 and November 2023 tests, where mileage jumped from 134,030 to 138,105—an increase of 4,075 miles in just over a year. This suggests either inconsistent maintenance intervals or a period of heavier usage. The November 2023 failure, just three days before the subsequent pass, was solely due to exposed tyre ply and minor lamp faults, indicating the owner likely addressed the tyres before the retest. While the mileage trend isn’t extreme, the abrupt jumps and failure to rectify suspension issues sooner point to a lack of proactive maintenance. A buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the rear brake system, particularly the calipers and pads, given the repeated advisories on wear. The front anti-roll bar ball joints require urgent attention, as prolonged play can compromise handling stability and accelerate wear on adjacent suspension components. Corrosion under the chassis, noted in the November 2024 test, warrants a thorough examination of the subframe and wheel arches for structural integrity, especially if the vehicle has been parked on damp surfaces. The headlamp lens deposits, while not critical, should be cleaned or replaced to avoid potential visibility issues. Finally, the exposed tyre ply from November 2023 suggests the current tyres may be nearing their serviceable limit, and a full tread and sidewall inspection is essential.