2002 Honda Civic 1.7L Petrol · WA52 AEV

The 2002 Honda Civic’s most recent MOT test on 2021-11-30 confirms it passed with no defects recorded at 128,403 miles, though it had previously failed on 2021-11-22 at just 86 miles lower. This suggests a narrow window of compliance before the test, as no defects were logged in either the pass or fail entries. The 2020 and 2019 tests show consistent passes with no advisories, indicating no recurring mechanical issues were detected by the tester. However, the duplicate fail and pass in October 2019 at identical mileage (120,389) implies either a retest after a minor oversight or an administrative anomaly rather than a mechanical trend. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 128,403 over 24 years equates to approximately 5,350 miles annually, which is unusually low for its age. The gap between tests—particularly the 18-month span between the 2020 and 2021 tests—suggests prolonged periods of inactivity or very light use. This could mean reduced wear on high-mileage components like suspension bushes or brake calipers, but it also raises questions about fluid changes (brake, power steering, coolant) and general upkeep during these periods. The absence of advisories in any test implies no major deferred issues were flagged, though this does not guarantee they were never present. Given the lack of recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of suspension components—particularly the rear coil springs and bushes—given the vehicle’s age and mileage. The binding brake advisory in the 2021 fail (if present) should be cross-checked, as rear brake binding can develop over time, especially if the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods. Corrosion checks are essential, focusing on wheel arches, sills, and subframes, as rust can compromise structural integrity without always being visible. Finally, verify the condition of the exhaust system for leaks or excessive corrosion, particularly around joints, and confirm the integrity of the catalytic converter, as emissions systems in older models can degrade silently.