2009 Honda Civic 2.2L Diesel · RF58 CWN

The most recent MOT test on the 2009 Honda Civic occurred on 2025-10-18, resulting in a clean pass with only two minor advisories—both related to the rear tyres showing signs of cracking or perishing, which are indicative of ageing rubber and potential future tread depth concerns. However, the vehicle’s MOT history reveals a concerning pattern of recurring issues, particularly the fractured front offside coil spring that caused a failure in 2024-11-07, alongside a serious valve stem failure on the offside rear tyre in 2021-11-04. These failures suggest that the suspension and tyre systems may have been under stress, with the coil spring failure being a critical structural component that, if left unresolved, could compromise ride quality and handling stability. The presence of multiple advisories about tyre perishing and registration plate deterioration further implies that the vehicle has not been fully maintained to industry standards, particularly in high-wear areas like tyres and suspension components. The recorded mileage of 107,647 miles for a vehicle aged 17 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 6,332 miles, which is within the expected range for a car of this age and class. However, the lack of significant mileage accumulation over the past few years—especially the two consecutive clean MOTs in 2023 and 2024—suggests that the vehicle may have spent extended periods in a stationary state, which can accelerate wear from standing corrosion, particularly in the brake systems, exhaust components, and battery. Standing corrosion is especially critical on brake discs and calipers, where rust can lead to binding or reduced braking efficiency, while fluid degradation in the hydraulic system may also develop over time. Additionally, the tyre advisories from previous MOTs indicate that the tyres have been exposed to prolonged exposure to environmental elements, which can cause the rubber to harden and crack prematurely, reducing grip and increasing the risk of blowouts. Given the vehicle’s age, mileage, and the recurring MOT advisories, the buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension system, focusing on the front offside coil spring and associated bushes, which appear to have failed previously. On a test drive, listen for unusual clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, particularly when driving over bumps, as this may indicate worn or damaged suspension components. The fractured coil spring suggests that the spring’s replacement is essential to restore proper ride height and handling dynamics, and any remaining suspension bushes should be checked for excessive play or wear that could lead to further failure. Additionally, inspect the brake system for signs of corrosion on the discs and calipers, which could cause binding or reduced braking performance, especially when the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods. Check for uneven tyre wear patterns, which may indicate misalignment or suspension issues, and ensure the tread depth is sufficient to meet legal requirements. The tyre advisories from previous MOTs warrant a closer inspection of the rear tyres for any signs of cracking or delamination, as these can compromise safety and may require replacement sooner than expected. For fluid systems, the buyer should verify the condition of the windscreen washer fluid reservoir, as the previous MOT failure highlighted insufficient washer liquid, which is a critical safety feature. Given the vehicle’s age, check the fluid levels in the brake, coolant, and transmission fluids, as these can degrade over time, even if not used frequently. The battery should be tested for voltage and overall health, particularly if the car has been stored for prolonged periods, as standing corrosion can lead to reduced performance or failure. Finally, review the service history for any missing or outdated maintenance records, as the Honda Civic’s 2009 model year may require specific interval servicing, such as valve clearance adjustments or timing belt replacement, which are often overlooked in used vehicles. If the service book is incomplete, consider arranging a professional inspection to ensure all critical components are in good working order before proceeding with the purchase.