2011 Honda Civic 1.3L Petrol · RO11 FHC

The most recent MOT, carried out on 25 June 2026, was a pass but returned three advisories: the off‑side rear tyre is close to the legal tread limit and shows edge wear, and both the off‑side and near‑side track‑rod end ball‑joint dust covers are damaged though still preventing dirt ingress. Compared with the preceding three years, the trend is clearly improving: a serious failure in June 2023 – involving a non‑functioning position lamp, a major exhaust leak, exposed tyre plies and an emissions failure – was followed by a clean pass in July 2025 and a largely advisory‑only pass in June 2024. The current pass indicates that the most critical faults have been remedied, although tyre wear and minor suspension‑related wear are now the dominant concerns. At 160,659 mi the car averages roughly 10,700 mi per year over its 15‑year life, which sits squarely within normal UK usage patterns. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would suggest long periods of storage, so the wear observed is likely the result of steady, moderate use rather than a sudden high‑kilometre stint. This level of mileage means that wear items such as brake discs, suspension bushings, engine mounts and drivetrain bearings will be approaching the middle of their service lives and should be inspected for progressive thinning, corrosion or loss of compliance. When you inspect the vehicle, give particular attention to the tyres. The front tyres were flagged in 2024 as being close to the legal limit on the edges, and the rear off‑side tyre is now similarly worn; look for uneven wear patterns, sidewall cracking or perishing that can arise from age rather than mileage, and verify that the tread depth exceeds 1.6 mm on all four corners. During a test drive listen for any clunk or knock when steering through bumps, which could indicate the slight play noted on the near‑side anti‑roll‑bar linkage ball joint or the deteriorated track‑rod dust covers. Check that the steering feels tight and that there is no wandering, as worn ball‑joint dust covers can allow contaminants to accelerate joint wear. Also confirm that all exterior lamps function correctly, especially the near‑side front position lamp that previously failed. Finally, assess the braking system and exhaust. Both front and rear brake discs have been reported as pitted or scored; measure disc thickness and look for deep scoring that could compromise heat dissipation, as replacement may be due within the next few thousand miles. Start the engine and listen for any exhaust rattles or hissing that would betray a lingering leak, and confirm that the exhaust system is free of cracks or rusted joints. Given the car’s age, have the 12 V battery load‑tested, verify that coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the recommended intervals, and inspect suspension bushes and mounts for any signs of dry rot or excessive play. Addressing these items now will give you a clearer picture of any imminent out‑of‑pocket costs and help ensure the Civic remains reliable and road‑worthy.