2009 Honda Accord 2.2L Diesel · LG09 PTO

The most recent DVSA examination on 31 August 2023 resulted in a Pass, although three advisories were issued concerning the braking and suspension systems. Specifically, the front and rear brake discs were noted as worn, pitted, or scored but not considered seriously weakened at that point, alongside slight play in the front suspension arm ball joints on both sides. Looking back through the recorded test history, the maintenance trend appears to be one of gradual deterioration rather than improvement. Front brake disc wear has been flagged consistently since at least 2020, suspension arm pins and bushes were noted as worn in 2018, 2020, and again in 2023, and the front suspension arms themselves were identified as corroded in 2019. A Major failure for an inoperative dipped headlamp and lighting faults in 2020 and 2021 also indicate some general electrical upkeep concerns, though these are relatively minor in isolation. The pattern suggests a vehicle that has passed each subsequent test but is steadily accumulating wear items typical of a high-mileage car. With a recorded mileage of 337,422 miles over approximately seventeen years, this Honda Accord averages around 19,848 miles per year, which is well above the national average and indicative of consistent, heavy use. There are no obvious extended gaps between MOT tests that would suggest long periods of standing, and the mileage accumulation appears steady throughout the recorded history. Such usage rates accelerate wear on virtually all mechanical consumables, particularly the clutch, transmission, engine internals, suspension components, and braking system. The high annual mileage also raises the importance of verifying the timing belt or chain service interval, as well as confirming that all major service items have been addressed at the correct intervals given the considerable distance covered. Given the recurring advisories, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking and suspension systems. The front brake discs have been flagged as pitted across multiple consecutive tests, and at this stage they will almost certainly require replacement, particularly if the vehicle has accumulated further mileage since the 2023 test. Pitted or corroded discs commonly cause brake shudder through the steering wheel or pedal under firm application, and uneven wear patterns should be checked by feel. The rear brake discs were first noted as worn in 2020 and again in 2023, so they are likely approaching or past their service limit now. On the suspension side, the persistent advisories for ball joint play and worn front suspension arm pins or bushes point to deteriorating front suspension geometry. During a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises over uneven surfaces, pay attention to vague or wandering steering, and check for uneven front tyre wear, which often indicates worn bushes or excessive play. Beyond the recorded defects, the high mileage and age of this Accord demand attention to several calendar and wear-based service items regardless of MOT status. The brake fluid, engine coolant, and automatic or manual transmission fluid will all be well past their recommended replacement intervals if not serviced regularly, and degraded fluid can lead to internal corrosion or component failure. The twelve-volt battery should be load tested, as repeated short trips and age often leave batteries under capacity. Given the consistent annual mileage, the timing belt, water pump, tensioners, and drive belts should be verified as recently replaced, as failure of these on a high-mileage K-series or i-VTEC engine can be catastrophic. Tyres should be inspected for age-related sidewall perishing and cracking in addition to tread wear, and a thorough underside examination is recommended to check for exhaust corrosion, fluid leaks from the engine or transmission, and any structural rust around suspension mounting points and subframes, particularly given the wet British climate this vehicle has clearly endured throughout its life.