2004 Honda Civic 1.6L Petrol · MF04 FNT

The vehicle presents a relatively stable roadworthiness profile, with the most recent test on 13 January 2025 at 99,802 miles passing with no recorded defects. This indicates that the car currently meets the minimum legal standards for UK road use. However, the history shows a pattern of immediate failures followed by successful passes. The car failed in December 2024 at 99,793 miles and again in November 2023 at 96,345 miles. These recurring failures suggest the previous owner practiced reactive maintenance rather than preventative care, likely addressing specific light bulbs or minor consumable items only when they were flagged during the MOT test. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 99,802 miles represents a low average of approximately 4,536 miles per year. This low usage often results in less mechanical wear on the drivetrain and engine, but it significantly increases the risk of age-related degradation in rubber components, seals, and suspension bushings. The short interval between the November 2023 failure and the December 2024 failure shows only 3,448 miles were driven, confirming the vehicle is used for short trips or sits stationary. Such usage patterns can lead to seized brake calipers or corrosion in the exhaust system that is not captured by mileage alone. Despite the clean sheet from the most recent inspection, a buyer must prioritize a physical check of the structural integrity and underbody corrosion. Honda Civics from this era are prone to rust in the rear wheel arches and sills, which may not always be caught by a tester until they become structural. The buyer should also check for signs of perished hoses or fluid leaks consistent with a low-mileage, older vehicle. While the MOT record shows no immediate mechanical failures, the age of the vehicle means that material fatigue is a primary concern rather than mechanical wear-and-tear.