2009 Honda Civic 1.8L Petrol · OY09 PSZ

A pattern of recurring front-end and braking defects defines the MOT history of this 2009 Honda Civic, with three separate failures across four test cycles and multiple major items concentrated on the nearside and offside front suspension and brake assemblies. The most recent recorded outcome is a pass on 24 November 2025, which followed a substantial failure just six days earlier on 18 November 2025 that included defective front position and registration plate lamps, excessive play in both front track rod end ball joints, and a serious fluid leak from the nearside front shock absorber. That earlier failure was itself preceded by a pass on 18 November 2024 that carried advisories for pitted rear brake discs and perished rear tyres, and by two failures recorded on the same date in 2024 (a failed presentation test for an empty windscreen washer and inoperative registration plate lamp, followed by a pass under advisories) and two further failures in October 2022 covering an ABS warning lamp with a missing nearside front wheel speed sensor, a leaking nearside front hydraulic brake caliper, and a compromised track rod end dust cover. The recurrence of steering, suspension, and braking components as failure items is the defining mechanical characteristic of this vehicle's record. Annual mileage accumulation has averaged roughly 7,100 miles across the 17-year life of the car, which is a broadly typical figure for its age and points to consistent rather than sporadic use. The recorded tests span from October 2022 through November 2025, so the mileage trend within that window can be observed rather than inferred, and there is no evidence of the vehicle being off the road for multiple consecutive years or subjected to sudden mileage spikes between tests. This level of usage would normally result in moderate wear on consumable items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension bushes, and the rear brake and tyre advisories recorded in late 2024 are consistent with that expectation. The fact that mechanical failures have clustered around the front axle and braking system over a relatively short three-year testing window suggests these specific components have been working through their service life at a steady rate. A prospective buyer should focus a physical inspection on the front suspension and steering assembly, as both track rod end ball joints were flagged with excessive play in November 2025 and a dust cover had previously been recorded as insecure in October 2022, indicating a recurrent weakness in this area. Listen for knocking or clunking noises from the front wheels when traversing speed bumps or uneven surfaces, and check for uneven tyre wear across the front pair which can reveal misalignment or worn joints. The nearside front shock absorber was recorded as leaking fluid in November 2025, so press down firmly on each front corner and release, watching for the vehicle to rebound more than once or to continue oscillating, which would confirm deteriorated damping. The November 2025 pass should be examined to confirm what remedial work was carried out on the shock absorber and track rod ends, and whether genuine Honda or quality aftermarket replacement parts were fitted, as these are wear items with a defined service life on a vehicle of this age and mileage. The braking system warrants equal scrutiny given the leaking nearside front hydraulic caliper recorded in 2022, the pitted rear discs noted in 2024, and the persistent registration plate lamp defects appearing across multiple tests. On a test drive, apply the brakes firmly from speed and feel for any pull to one side, vibration through the pedal, or a soft or spongy pedal that may indicate caliper seizure or hydraulic issues not yet flagged at test. Inspect the rear discs visually for a pronounced lip on the outer edge and check pad material thickness through the caliper apertures. The ABS warning lamp and missing nearside front wheel speed sensor fault from 2022 should also be verified as fully rectified, ideally by confirming that the warning lamp extinguishes promptly on ignition and does not reappear while driving. Given the age of the vehicle, a thorough road test on rougher surfaces and a ramp-based inspection of the front subframe, brake pipes, and suspension bushes would be prudent before purchase.