2008 Honda Civic 1.8L Petrol · SC08 GHA

The most recent MOT, carried out on 14 January 2026, was passed, with the only recorded advisory being a slightly worn bush on each rear shock absorber. Over the preceding seven years the vehicle has shown a mixture of minor advisories and a single failure in 2021 due to an ABS warning lamp, but the majority of items have remained at advisory level rather than progressing to a failure. The pattern indicates a generally stable maintenance trajectory; wear items such as shock absorber oil misting, brake disc scoring and anti‑roll bar dust‑cover deterioration have been noted repeatedly but have not escalated to unsafe conditions, suggesting that any remedial work undertaken has been sufficient to keep the car road‑worthy. At 140,972 miles the Civic averages roughly 7,800 miles per annum, which is typical for a vehicle of its age. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage accumulation that would point to intensive short‑term use, nor are there large gaps that might suggest prolonged storage. The mileage therefore aligns with the wear patterns observed in the MOT history – moderate use that would naturally lead to progressive wear of suspension bushings, brake components and tyre tread over an 18‑year lifespan. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the rear shock absorber bushes, which are now flagged as slightly worn, and to the front shock absorbers that have shown light oil misting in several recent tests. On a test drive listen for clunking or excessive bounce when navigating bumps, especially over the rear wheels, and watch for any signs of leaking oil from the shock bodies. The anti‑roll bar linkage dust‑covers were recorded as severely deteriorated in 2024; these should be inspected for cracked or missing rubber and replaced if needed to prevent metal‑to‑metal contact and subsequent bush wear. The brake system warrants close scrutiny: the rear pads were warned as thin in 2023, and both front and rear discs have been noted as pitted though not yet weakened. Examine the disc surfaces for deep scoring, measure pad thickness, and test for any pulsation or shudder under hard braking. Verify that the ABS warning lamp is extinguished and that the system does not trigger any fault codes, as an ABS fault caused a failure in 2021. Finally, inspect the off‑side front tyre for tread depth and edge wear, and check the rear brake hose ferrule for corrosion, as both have been highlighted in recent advisories. Given the car’s age, additional time‑based checks are advisable regardless of the MOT record. Examine all tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or age‑related hardening, even if tread depth appears adequate. Test the 12‑volt battery under load, as a battery over ten years old may suffer reduced cranking power. Drain and replace brake fluid if it has not been serviced within the last two years, and inspect the coolant, engine oil and transmission oil for signs of contamination or degradation. A thorough visual inspection of the underbody for rust, especially around the previously noted corroded coil springs and general under‑carriage, will help identify any hidden structural corrosion. Confirm that the service booklet shows regular oil changes, timing‑chain or timing‑belt service (if applicable), and that any recommended component replacements – such as suspension bushes or brake pads – have been logged, providing confidence that the vehicle has been maintained in line with its mileage and age.