2002 Honda Civic 1.7L Petrol · RV02 AEW

The vehicle remains roadworthy as of its most recent MOT on 2026-01-12, where it passed despite minor brake binding issues on both front wheels — noted as not excessive but still requiring attention. The maintenance trend shows a slight deterioration in the last year, with the 2024-01-15 failure involving an insecure anti-roll bar linkage, followed by a 2023-01-16 advisory on the same component’s ball joint play. While the 2025 and 2024 tests were clean, the recurrence of suspension-related faults suggests the owner may have deferred repairs, leaving potentially unsafe or worn components in place. The mileage of 114,234 miles at 24 years old is notably low, averaging just under 4,800 miles annually. This implies the car has likely been driven sparingly or stored for extended periods, which can lead to dry rot in rubber components, seized brakes, or degraded suspension bushings. The MOT records show no major gaps in testing — annual checks were consistently completed — and the mileage increased steadily from 110,209 in January 2023 to 114,234 in January 2026, with no sudden jumps. This steady climb supports the low-mileage narrative rather than indicating heavy use or neglect through rapid accumulation. Buyers should inspect the front suspension, particularly the anti-roll bar linkages and ball joints, as these have been flagged twice in the last three years and may now be worn or corroded. The persistent brake binding, while not excessive, warrants a full brake system check — including caliper slides, pads, and discs — as binding can indicate corrosion or lack of maintenance. Also examine the brake lines and wheel bearings for signs of moisture ingress or rust, common in low-mileage vehicles that sit idle. Check for structural rust, especially around wheel arches and sills, as age and infrequent use can accelerate corrosion in areas not regularly exposed to road salt or moisture. The car’s mechanical condition is currently acceptable for road use, but the history reveals a pattern of deferred suspension and brake maintenance. A buyer should budget for immediate servicing of the front suspension and brake systems, and consider a full diagnostic if the binding persists or worsens. The low mileage is a positive indicator for overall wear, but does not eliminate the need for careful inspection of components prone to degradation during long periods of inactivity.