2017 Honda Civic 2.0L Petrol · VT02 ANT

This Honda Civic presents a stable roadworthiness record over the past year, with the most recent MOT in November 2025 at 36,784 miles passing without any defects. The consistency improves markedly after August 2023, when the vehicle failed due to a near-legal tyre and critically thin rear brake pads—issues that were not repeated in subsequent tests. The absence of advisories or defects in the last three passes suggests that any previous concerns were addressed promptly, likely by a competent mechanic. That said, the August 2023 failure indicates a lapse in basic maintenance, as both the tyre and brake pads were allowed to reach critical thresholds before correction. The mileage accumulation is unusually low for a nine-year-old vehicle, averaging just over 4,000 miles per year, with the most recent 445 miles covered between December 2024 and November 2025. This slow pace of use reduces wear on drivetrain and suspension components but may also mask deferred maintenance on less obvious items, such as fluid leaks or gradual corrosion. The gap between the August 2023 failure and the December 2023 retest—just 116 miles apart—implies the owner acted swiftly once alerted, though the initial neglect of tyre and brake wear raises questions about how diligently other routine checks were performed. For a buyer, the primary focus should be on the braking system, particularly the rear pads and discs, given the 2023 failure. While the MOT history shows no further issues, binding calipers or uneven pad wear could still develop if the system was not fully serviced. Tyre condition remains a concern; the nearside front tyre’s edge wear in 2023 suggests potential alignment issues or uneven loading, so inspect for camber misalignment or worn suspension bushes. Exhaust emissions and structural integrity appear sound based on the clean MOTs, but a pre-purchase inspection should verify there’s no surface rust near sills, wheel arches, or exhaust mounts, as low mileage can sometimes conceal corrosion in sheltered areas. Fluid levels—brake, coolant, and power steering—should also be checked, as these are less likely to be flagged in an MOT but can degrade over time even with minimal driving.