2009 Honda Civic 2.2L Diesel · LD09 DAA

The most recent MOT, carried out on 5 March 2026, was a pass but recorded a number of minor defects and three advisories, the most notable being a non‑functioning off‑side stop lamp, general under‑body and suspension corrosion, front tyre wear close to the legal limit and rear brake disc wear. Earlier in the same week the vehicle failed an MOT due to an ABS warning lamp fault and a damaged front track‑rod end ball‑joint dust cover. Over the last three years the pattern has been a mixture of passes and failures, with recurring corrosion, tyre wear and brake wear advisories, indicating a maintenance trend that is beginning to deteriorate rather than improve. The recorded mileage of 101 593 mi on a 2009 model gives an average of just under 6 000 mi per year, which is low for a vehicle of this age. Such low annual usage often points to periods of limited running or prolonged storage, which can exacerbate age‑related deterioration such as rubber perishing, battery sulphation and corrosion of chassis and suspension components. The mileage itself does not suggest excessive wear on high‑stress items, but the age of the car means that many consumables will be approaching the end of their service lives regardless of distance travelled. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the tyre condition. Both front tyres are reported as being close to the 1.6 mm legal tread depth and show edge wear, so a visual inspection for sidewall cracking, dry rot or uneven wear patterns is essential, and the tyres will likely need replacement before the next MOT. The rear brake discs are described as pitted and the rear pads as thin; the buyer should check for any shudder or pulsation when applying the brakes and verify that the discs are not scored beyond the recommended limit. The ABS warning lamp that triggered the recent failure must be investigated – a diagnostic scan should confirm whether the fault is electronic or due to a sensor or hydraulic issue, and a functional road‑test of the ABS system is advisable. The front track‑rod end dust cover was flagged as excessively damaged, so the ball‑joint and its protective boot should be inspected for play, corrosion or leaking grease, and any clunking or vague steering feel should be noted. Given the vehicle’s age and the recurring corrosion advisories, a thorough under‑body inspection is warranted. Look for rust on the rear coil springs, suspension mounting points and the chassis, especially around the wheel arches and rear sub‑frame. Verify that any rust has been treated and that suspension bushes are not seized. Check the condition of the 12 V battery – a load test will reveal whether it can hold charge after years of low use. Time‑based fluids such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid should be sampled for colour and particulates, and a complete fluid change is advisable if service records are missing. Finally, confirm that the service booklet shows regular oil changes, timing‑chain inspection (the 2009 Civic uses a chain rather than a belt) and any recommended component replacements, as these will give confidence that the car has been looked after despite its low mileage.