2014 Honda Civic 1.3L Petrol · LS14 VML

The most recent DVSA examination on 29 October 2025 resulted in a Pass, although four advisories were recorded, namely an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and on its edge, a nearside rear tyre similarly affected, rear brake pads noted as wearing thin, and an exhaust exhibiting a minor leak of exhaust gases. Looking back through the recent MOT history, the vehicle has demonstrated a broadly stable maintenance trend rather than a deteriorating one, with passes achieved consecutively in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, and no failures or refusals recorded. That said, the recurring nature of brake and tyre advisories across successive tests does indicate ongoing wear progression in those areas, with the addition of an exhaust defect in 2025 suggesting a new or recently developed issue that warrants close attention. The absence of structural corrosion advisories or major component failures is reassuring for a vehicle of this age and supports the view that it has been generally well maintained. With a recorded mileage of 94,088 against a 2014 manufacture date, this Honda Civic is accumulating mileage at approximately 7,841 miles per year, which is broadly typical for its age and not indicative of either heavy commercial use or extended periods of standing. The gap between the 2022 and 2023 tests was around fourteen months, and between 2023 and 2024 also around twelve months, suggesting reasonably consistent usage. Mileage progression is steady rather than erratic, meaning the wear patterns observed are consistent with normal service intervals rather than unusually harsh operating conditions. However, because the recorded mileage is an average rather than continuous, it is worth checking the V5 and service book to confirm there are no extended gaps where the vehicle may have stood unused, as calendar-based degradation can still occur regardless of odometer reading. Given the recurring advisories relating to front tyres and brake components, a prospective buyer should carry out a careful physical inspection and a focused test drive. The advisories regarding nearside and offside front tyres being worn close to the legal limit in 2023, followed by a fresh advisory on the offside front in 2025, suggest uneven or edge wear which is frequently indicative of suspension misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or weak coil springs rather than simply tyre age. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, and inspect the tread pattern closely for feathering or shoulder wear. The repeated rear brake pad advisories, combined with rear brake disc wear noted in 2023, point to consumables nearing the end of their service life; on the test drive, listen for any brake squeal or grinding, feel for any shudder through the brake pedal or steering wheel under firm stopping, and check whether the vehicle pulls to one side which could suggest a binding caliper. The exhaust advisory for a minor gas leak should be investigated physically by listening for any ticking or hissing from the exhaust manifold, cat, or pipe joints during a cold start and while the engine is running, as such leaks will typically worsen and can affect exhaust emissions and noise levels. Beyond the recorded advisories, given the vehicle is now approximately twelve years old, attention should also be paid to age-related deterioration regardless of the modest annual mileage. Even with reasonable usage, twelve-year-old tyres commonly suffer from sidewall perishing and cracking, so a close visual inspection of the sidewalls is essential alongside tread depth checks. The 12-volt battery should be tested for its resting voltage and cranking performance, as batteries of this age often show diminished capacity, particularly during colder months. Brake discs, particularly the rears which have already shown wear, are susceptible to corrosion and binding from standing, so confirm the caliper sliders move freely and there is no uneven pad transfer on the disc surface. Finally, verify that time-based servicing has been carried out, including replacement of engine coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid if applicable, and spark plugs, as these items degrade with calendar age irrespective of mileage, and request evidence of any recent works to address the 2025 exhaust advisory before purchase.