2003 Honda Civic 2.0L Petrol · WV03 UUT

The 2023‑04‑27 MOT at 114,069 miles records a failure, rendering the 2003 Honda Civic not roadworthy. The tester flagged serious fluid leakage from the off‑side front shock absorber, insecure anti‑roll bar linkages, worn ball‑joint dust covers and excessive play in the track‑rod ends, while the parking brake falls below requirements; these recurring failures demonstrate a deteriorating condition rather than a stable or improving record. At 23 years old, the vehicle has accumulated 114,069 miles, averaging roughly 4,960 miles per year, a figure lower than typical for its age and suggesting long periods of inactivity. Mileage rose from 110,832 miles in the 2014 test to 113,308 miles in the 2019 test – an increase of 2,476 miles over five years – then to 113,974 miles in 2021 and finally to 114,069 miles in 2023, indicating steady but modest use without any abrupt mileage spikes. A buyer should first examine the suspension system, checking the off‑side front shock for fluid leaks, the condition of the anti‑roll bar linkages for looseness or breakage, and the play in the track‑rod ends and ball joints; any signs of worn dust covers or excessive movement would confirm the deficiencies noted in the recent MOT. Inspection of the braking system is essential, focusing on the binding near‑side front brake caliper, pad thickness, and disc wear, as well as the parking brake efficiency; the buyer should also look for structural rust on the rear discs, verify the bonnet release operates correctly, and assess tyre tread depth, given the history of near‑limit wear.