2003 Honda Civic 1.4L Petrol · 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
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 2003
- Engine
- 1396cc
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
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.
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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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PF52 AOX Mileage History
- 01/02/202382,668 mi
- 16/01/202485,248 mi+2,580 mi
- 16/01/202485,248 mi
- 13/01/202587,112 mi+1,864 mi
- 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
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))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
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
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