2004 Honda Accord 2.0L Petrol · LB04 FEX

The most recent MOT on 7 April 2026 was a pass, but it carried four advisories concerning front suspension arm pins or bushes on both sides and rear trailing‑arm bushes on both sides, all noted as worn but not yet causing excessive movement. Over the previous three years the advisory count has risen from a single front ball‑joint play note in 2023 to multiple rear shock‑bush and rear‑arm wear items, and now to front‑arm wear as well. This pattern indicates a gradual deterioration of suspension components rather than an improvement, suggesting that wear is accumulating and may soon reach the point of a mandatory failure if not addressed. The odometer reads 150 676 mi on a vehicle that is 22 years old, giving an average of roughly 6 850 mi per annum. This figure sits within the normal UK usage envelope and does not point to extreme abuse, but it also shows the car has been driven consistently rather than sitting idle for long periods. Continuous moderate mileage can accelerate the fatigue of rubber bushings, shock absorber mounts and ball joints, especially on a model of this age, while also contributing to gradual wear of engine and transmission internals that are not reflected in the MOT record. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front lower‑arm bushings and the rear trailing‑arm bushes, as the advisories indicate they are already worn. On a test drive listen for clunking or creaking when negotiating bumps, especially over uneven road surfaces, and feel for any looseness when applying steering input at low speed. The slight play noted on the off‑side front upper ball joint may manifest as a subtle knocking sensation when turning the wheel sharply; it is advisable to have the ball joint inspected and, if necessary, replaced before it exceeds the permissible movement limit. The rear shock absorbers are reported with lightly worn bushes and a hint of oil mist on the off‑side unit, which can lead to reduced damping efficiency and increased tyre wear; a visual inspection of the shock bodies for oil leakage and a bounce test to assess rebound control are recommended, with replacement of the shocks or at least the bushings if any deterioration is confirmed. Given the car’s age, independent of the suspension concerns, the buyer should also examine tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or age‑related hardening, as rubber can degrade after ten years regardless of tread depth. Check the brake discs for surface rust or pitting and ensure the calipers move freely without sticking, as long periods of inactivity can cause corrosion and uneven pad wear. The 12‑V battery, likely over a decade old, should be load‑tested to confirm it can hold charge, and all engine oils, coolant and brake fluid should be refreshed in line with calendar‑based service intervals, as fluid degradation can occur even with modest mileage. Finally, verify the service book for regular oil changes and any recorded suspension work, as a documented maintenance history will give confidence that the emerging wear items have been monitored and are being addressed in a timely manner.