2002 Honda Civic 1.6L Petrol · MD02 DLU

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward reactive repairs rather than proactive upkeep. In the most recent test in August 2025 at 136,646 miles, the car initially failed primarily due to an excessively worn nearside front lower suspension arm bush. While it passed the immediate retest, the tester still flagged thin offside front brake pads and pitted, scored front brake discs. This indicates that the owner is addressing critical components only when they approach failure thresholds rather than during scheduled service intervals. At 24 years old, the recorded mileage of 136,647 miles represents a low annual average of approximately 5,700 miles. This low usage typically suggests less mechanical strain on the drivetrain and engine compared to high-mileage counterparts. However, the gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests shows an accumulation of nearly 7,000 miles in fifteen months. Such low mileage on an older vehicle often leads to the degradation of rubber-based components and seals, which aligns with the recurring issues noted in the suspension history. A buyer must inspect the front suspension closely, as the lower arm bushes have appeared as a recurring fault since 2023 at 120,853 miles. The progression from 'worn' to 'excessively worn' by 2025 suggests these components are nearing the end of their functional life. The braking system also requires immediate attention; the pitted discs and thin pads noted in the 2025 record suggest a full front overhaul is necessary to ensure consistent stopping. Given the age of the Honda, a physical inspection for structural corrosion on the sills and subframe is essential, as the MOT record does not explicitly detail the integrity of the chassis.