2004 Honda Civic 1.6L Petrol · RL53 EBN

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but exhibits a worsening trend in reactive maintenance rather than proactive care. While the car passed its latest test in November 2025 at 163,796 miles, this followed a significant failure just nine days prior. The November failure revealed a cluster of critical safety-related defects, including exposed ply and cords on front tyres and a split CV boot. This sequence suggests that the owner only addresses faults when forced by an MOT failure, rather than replacing worn components before they become hazardous. The mileage pattern remains consistent with the vehicle's 22-year age, averaging approximately 7,400 miles per year. There was a gap of 4,325 miles between the October 2023 and October 2024 tests, and another 5,045-mile stretch leading up to the dual tests in late 2025. This relatively steady accumulation indicates a regular use pattern, but the age of the vehicle means that rubber and metal components are susceptible to degradation regardless of the low mileage. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and braking systems. The record shows recurring issues with the offside front lower suspension arm and the track rod end, which have been flagged for play and deterioration across multiple years. Furthermore, the November 2025 test noted thin front brake pads and rear pads nearing the 1.5mm limit, indicating the braking system is frequently neglected. The previous corrosion on the rear brake pipes and suspension mounting noted in 2023 also requires close scrutiny to ensure the rust has not progressed into structural failure.