2017 Honda Civic 1.0L Petrol · SL67 FPV

The most recent MOT inspection on 20 October 2025 resulted in a clean pass with no recorded defects. Looking at the longitudinal maintenance trend, the vehicle shows a stable and improving profile. Although a failure was recorded in October 2023 regarding a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system, the subsequent passes in 2024 and 2025 indicate that this electronic fault was successfully addressed and has not recurred. The minor advisory regarding water ingress in the offside side repeater in 2023 also appears to have been resolved or was deemed non-critical, as it did not reappear in later tests. The recorded mileage of 26,883 miles is exceptionally low for a nine-year-old vehicle, representing an annual average of approximately 2,987 miles. While this low usage implies minimal mechanical wear on high-friction components such as the engine, gearbox, and drivetrain, it also suggests the vehicle has undergone long periods of inactivity or has been used primarily for very short journeys. From a mechanical perspective, this profile shifts the primary concern from mileage-based wear to age-related degradation caused by the vehicle standing idle. During your inspection and test drive, you should pay close attention to components that suffer from lack of use rather than high mileage. Inspect the tyres thoroughly for signs of perishing or sidewall cracking, as rubber compounds degrade over time regardless of tread depth. Check the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion and ensure the calipers are not binding, which can happen when a vehicle sits for extended periods. On the test drive, listen for any unusual noises from the suspension, such as knocks or clunks, which may indicate that rubber bushes have perished or hardened due to age. Furthermore, you must verify the service history to ensure that maintenance has been conducted on a calendar basis rather than solely on mileage. Fluids such as engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant degrade over time due to moisture absorption and chemical breakdown, making time-based changes essential for a low-usage vehicle. It is also advisable to test the health of the 12V battery, as infrequent driving often leads to incomplete charging cycles and premature battery failure. Finally, confirm that the tyre pressure monitoring system is functioning correctly during your drive to ensure the previous failure remains fully rectified.