2010 Honda Accord 2.2L Diesel · OV10 MDN

The most recent DVSA examination on 19 December 2025 returned a pass with no defects recorded, representing a clear improvement over the previous test at the same station just ten days earlier, which resulted in a failure on five major items. That failure encompassed both front headlamp aim irregularities, an inoperative engine management indicator lamp suggesting a powertrain or emissions fault, an insecure battery presenting a short-circuit risk, and a worn anti-roll bar linkage bush at the nearside rear. The fact that these defects were identified, rectified, and the vehicle subsequently presented for a clean retest within ten days suggests the work was carried out comprehensively, though the nature of the failure items, particularly the engine MIL and suspension component, warrants direct confirmation from the seller that proper documentation and invoices exist for the repairs. Reviewing the broader four-year pattern, the maintenance trend has been broadly stable with intermittent advisories rather than a progressive deterioration, though the recurrence of front tyre edge wear across three consecutive tests and repeated brake-related advisories do point to ongoing chassis and geometry concerns that have not been fully resolved. With 119,157 miles recorded across sixteen years, the vehicle is averaging approximately 7,447 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a car of this age and is neither unusually low nor exceptionally high. There are no glaring gaps in annual MOT coverage and the mileage progression between tests appears consistent, suggesting the car has been in continuous service rather than left standing for extended periods. That said, any Honda of this vintage and mileage will inevitably be approaching the latter stages of major component life, particularly the timing chain, clutch, dual-mass flywheel if fitted, and original exhaust system, all of which should be considered regardless of what the MOT record alone can reveal. For a prospective buyer, the recurring front tyre edge wear advisories merit close physical inspection, as uneven shoulder wear on both sides typically indicates either incorrect tracking, worn suspension bushes, or top mount deterioration rather than a simple alignment issue. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, particularly from the front suspension, and pay attention to any steering vagueness, pulling to one side, or vibration through the wheel, as these would suggest the geometry and bush issues have not been fully addressed. The brake advisories from 2022 and the binding rear brake episode from the 2022 failure also warrant a thorough road test; the car should pull up squarely without pulling to either side, and there should be no shuddering through the pedal or steering wheel under braking, which would indicate the disc wear has progressed to require replacement. Beyond the recorded defects, a sixteen-year-old Honda Accord of this mileage demands several age-related inspections that may not appear on the MOT. Check all four tyres carefully for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber degrades with age regardless of tread depth, and inspect the brake discs for surface corrosion or any binding calipers, particularly if the car has stood for any period. Verify the 12V battery health, as the recent failure noted security issues and battery condition deteriorates with calendar age. Confirm that coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable have been serviced on a time rather than mileage basis, as these fluids degrade regardless of use. Finally, ensure the service book is fully stamped and cross-reference the current mileage against the documented services, and verify the timing chain has been inspected or replaced at the manufacturer recommended interval, as this is a known maintenance item on higher-mileage Honda petrol engines of this era.