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Official DVLA Record
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Road Tax Paid

2003 Honda Civic 1.4L Petrol · PF52 AOX

PF52 AOX

2003 Honda Civic (1.4L, petrol). First registered 01/01/2003. Recorded mileage 90,590 miles. MOT valid until 31/01/2027. Taxed until 01/08/2026.

Make & Model
HONDA CIVIC
Year / Origin
2003 · Preston
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 31/01/2027
Road Tax
Taxed (01/08/2026)
Recorded Mileage
90,590 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
Fuel & Engine
PETROL · 1.4L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 31/01/2027
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01/08/2026
Fuel Type
PETROL
Year
2003
Engine
1396cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The current roadworthiness status of this Honda Civic is stable following a pass on 15 January 2026 at 90,590 miles, though the vehicle shows signs of persistent neglect regarding mechanical maintenance. While the 2026 test resulted in a pass, the presence of an advisory for a worn suspension bush and ongoing surface corrosion indicates that the car is entering a phase where age-related degradation is becoming more prominent. The history shows a clear improvement from the 2024 failure, where the vehicle required intervention for emissions and engine management light issues, suggesting that the most critical mechanical faults have been addressed to meet current standards. The recorded mileage of 90,590 miles over 23 years averages approximately 3,939 miles per annum, which is exceptionally low for a vehicle of this vintage. This pattern likely points to periods of inactivity, which often accelerates the onset of corrosion and the seizing of mechanical components like brake calipers. The annual mileage has remained consistent in recent years, with roughly 2,000 to 3,500 miles covered between tests, confirming that the car is currently in regular, light use rather than being permanently laid up. Prospective buyers should focus their inspection on the structural integrity of the sills and the underbody, as deformation and general corrosion have been recurring themes since at least 2023. The offside front brake has been flagged for binding in every test from 2023 through 2026, indicating a long-term issue with the caliper or slider pins that requires immediate mechanical attention. Furthermore, the suspension components, specifically the bushes and shock absorbers, warrant a thorough physical check to ensure that the advisory items have not progressed into failures. Given the history of tyre wear and perishing, verify the age and condition of all four tyres, as the vehicle's low usage often leads to rubber degradation before the tread is legally exhausted.

PF52 AOX Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 15/01/2026
  • 90,590 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 1 historical MOT failure
  • 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring bodywork & corrosion items (6 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

Updating live data
MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
85
/ 100 · Good
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Good

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

✓ Valid MOT
✓ Taxed
✓ Good MOT pass rate (80%)
! Older vehicle
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Full History Report

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Imported
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Technical Specifications

ULEZ Compliant

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PF52 AOX Mileage History

  1. 01/02/202382,668 mi
  2. 16/01/202485,248 mi+2,580 mi
  3. 16/01/202485,248 mi
  4. 13/01/202587,112 mi+1,864 mi
  5. 15/01/202690,590 mi+3,478 mi

Average of roughly 2,682 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

PF52 AOX MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 16 Jul 2026, 07:26
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Honda Civic (PF52 AOX) between February 2023 and January 2026.

The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.

The most recent test on 15 January 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Bodywork (6 issues), Tyres (5 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 21 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

Recorded failure items include: “Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))”; “Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
45/100
Risk Level
High
High
Est. Annual Cost
£1,500-£1,800
Mileage
The recorded mileage of 90,590 is well b...

Our Verdict

Proceed with extreme caution due to persistent structural and mechanical warnings. While the Honda Civic is known for longevity, this specific example shows significant signs of age-related degradation that may prove costly to rectify.

When inspecting this vehicle, pay close attention to the sills and underbody, as previous MOTs have flagged structural deformation and general corrosion. Given the vehicle's age, ensure you check for any signs of recent welding or cover-up repairs. It is essential to verify if the 'binding brake' issue noted in three consecutive years has been properly resolved, or if it indicates a deeper problem with the calipers or brake lines.

Furthermore, check the service history for evidence of regular oil changes and timing belt replacements. The 1.4-litre engine is generally robust, but neglect can lead to the emissions issues seen in the 2024 failure. Negotiate the price down significantly to account for the likely need for suspension and brake system refurbishment in the near future.

The 1.4-litre petrol engine is relatively economical for a vehicle of this era, typically returning around 35-40 mpg in mixed driving conditions. As a 2003 model, it falls into a predictable tax bracket, though you should verify the exact VED rate based on its CO2 emissions. Insurance should be affordable, as these models are generally placed in lower-to-mid insurance groups.

Maintenance costs are the primary concern for this specific car. With recurring MOT advisories for corrosion and suspension wear, you should budget an additional £500-£800 per year for preventative maintenance and potential repairs. Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance, are expected to be in the region of £1,500-£1,800 depending on your annual mileage.

Prioritise a thorough inspection of the underside. Use a torch to check the sills and floor pans for flaking rust or evidence of poor-quality repairs, given the previous notes on structural deformation. Test the brakes thoroughly during a test drive; if the car pulls to one side or feels sluggish, the binding brake issue identified in the MOT history may still be present.

Inspect the suspension components, specifically the front bushes and rear shock absorbers, as these have been flagged for wear or reduced damping in recent tests. Finally, check the operation of all exterior lights and ensure the windscreen wipers are in good condition, as these are common minor fail points that indicate overall owner attention to detail.

This 2003 Honda Civic has covered a modest 90,590 miles, which is low for its age, but its recent MOT history reveals recurring issues with corrosion and suspension components. While it has passed its latest test, the presence of surface corrosion and worn bushings suggests the car is entering a phase where maintenance requirements will likely increase. Potential buyers should be wary of the structural deformation noted in previous tests and the persistent brake binding issues.

The seventh-generation Honda Civic is generally regarded as a durable workhorse, though high-mileage or neglected examples like this one are prone to corrosion and suspension fatigue.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns