2010 Honda Civic 1.8L Petrol · LR10 DFJ

The most recent MOT, carried out on 18 August 2026, resulted in a failure because the nearside front position lamp was not functioning, a defect that alone prevents a clean pass. Although the test otherwise recorded a pass, the presence of this electrical fault together with a history that includes recurring tyre‑wear advisories, repeated shock‑absorber oil mist, a serious off‑side front shock leak in 2024 and a major anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint wear in the same year indicates a maintenance trend that is deteriorating rather than stabilising. Earlier years show a mix of minor advisories and occasional major failures, suggesting that the vehicle’s condition has been slipping rather than improving. With 94,110 miles logged over sixteen years the average annual mileage works out at roughly 5,900 mi, well below the typical UK usage of 10‑12 000 mi per year. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited driving or long spells of storage, which can be as detrimental as high mileage because age‑related degradation of rubber, seals and metal components proceeds regardless of distance covered. The modest mileage does not offset the need to inspect age‑related wear, especially on items that are sensitive to time such as tyre sidewalls, suspension bushings and engine seals. For a prospective buyer the immediate priority is to rectify the nearside front position lamp and to verify that all other exterior lighting – side‑repeaters, rear stop lamps and registration plate lamps – are operational, as any failure will cause a future MOT rejection. The off‑side front shock absorber that was recorded with a serious fluid leak in 2024 should be examined for dampness, reduced damping feel and any clunking or uneven tyre wear; a replacement is likely required. The nearside rear lower anti‑roll‑bar linkage ball joint, flagged as excessively worn, must be inspected for play or binding and, if movement is detectable, the joint should be replaced to avoid compromised handling. The recurring light mist of oil on both front shock absorbers, noted over several years, is a warning sign of seal deterioration that can progress to a full leak, so a thorough visual check of the shock bodies and a bounce test are advisable. Front tyres were warned as being close to the legal limit in 2025; confirm that they have been replaced, check tread depth, sidewall cracking and the DOT code to ensure they are not beyond their service life despite low mileage. Beyond the specific defects, the car’s age demands a comprehensive inspection of time‑sensitive components. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking or perishing, as rubber can become brittle after a decade even with few miles. Inspect the under‑carriage and wheel arches for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and the exhaust system, which can be exacerbated by long periods of standing. Test the 12 V battery voltage and conduct a load test, as a sixteen‑year‑old battery is likely near the end of its service life. Verify that the brake discs are free of heavy rust and that the pads have sufficient material; standing can cause disc surface corrosion that may require resurfacing. Finally, confirm that coolant, brake fluid and engine oil have been changed at least every two years, as fluid degradation with age can lead to overheating, reduced braking efficiency and internal engine wear. A full service book review and a professional pre‑purchase inspection will help to uncover any hidden wear that the MOT record alone may not reveal.