2004 Honda Accord 2.4L Petrol · RO04 SLV

A late-life clean pass on 30 July 2026, following an immediately rectified headlamp aim failure on the same date, keeps this 22 year old Honda Accord in a generally favourable roadworthiness position. The single PRS defect was a straightforward adjust and re-submit item rather than anything structural or wear-related, and it does not represent a recurring failure pattern. Underbody corrosion has been flagged as an advisory at both the 2024 and 2025 tests, which is the more meaningful mechanical signal in the file. Two consecutive advisories for the same area indicate the condition is being monitored rather than resolved, and on a car of this age and provenance it warrants close physical inspection rather than dismissal. With 81,375 miles recorded over 22 years, the vehicle has averaged around 3,700 miles annually, which is well below typical usage for a car of this era. Such low accumulation generally preserves interior, clutch and drivetrain life but can be associated with longer standing periods, age-related deterioration of rubber and polymer components, and surface oxidation from infrequent use. There are no obvious multi-year testing gaps in the record, suggesting it has remained in regular use and on the testers' books, which is reassuring. The mileage progression between tests appears steady and consistent, with no sudden jumps that might suggest clock irregularities or heavy recent use after a lay-up. Because general underbody corrosion has been advised at the last two tests, a prospective buyer should carry out a thorough underside examination on a ramp or over a pit before committing. Particular attention should be paid to the front and rear suspension linkages, anti-roll bar drop links and mounting bushes, subframe mounting points, brake and fuel pipe runs, and the exhaust system hangers and joints, as these are the areas where surface corrosion on a low-mileage Accord tends to progress first. On a test drive, listen for clonks or looseness from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, feel for any vagueness or knocking through the steering, and check for binding or pulling under braking that could indicate seized caliper slides or compromised brake pipes hidden beneath surface rust. The headlamp aim PRS, although minor, is worth re-checking yourself in a dark area against a wall to confirm both beams sit within tolerance, as a tired adjuster mechanism or worn reflector mount on a car of this age can allow the beam to drift low again quite quickly. Inspect all four tyres for age-cracking in the sidewalls and tread, as low annual mileage often results in tyres being kept on the car long past their effective service life despite legal depth. Finally, on first start from cold listen for any timing chain rattle, smoke from the exhaust that does not clear within a few seconds, and ensure the automatic or manual gearbox selects cleanly, as low-use Honda Accord saloons from this period can suffer from oil leaks around the cam cover and balance shaft area once seals harden with age.