2009 Honda Accord 2.2L Diesel · WX09 NZT

The 2009 Honda Accord passed its most recent MOT on 27 April 2023 at 191,662 miles, but the maintenance trend over the preceding years is mixed rather than clearly improving. The March 2023 failure at 191,095 miles revealed several significant faults, including a worn nearside front upper suspension arm ball joint, a major front exhaust leak, incorrect headlamp aim on both sides, a corroded rear anti-roll bar, and a worn offside rear anti-roll bar bush. The subsequent April pass indicates these items were addressed, yet the record shows a recurring pattern of suspension wear, corrosion, and minor lighting defects that has persisted across multiple test cycles. The vehicle is currently over three years beyond its last test, meaning no verified roadworthiness check exists for the period since April 2023, which is a substantial gap for a car of this age and mileage. The mileage progression tells a fairly consistent story. Between March 2020 at 170,589 miles and March 2023 at 191,095 miles, the car covered roughly 20,500 miles in three years, averaging around 6,800 miles annually. That is below the typical 8,000 to 12,000 miles per year for a vehicle of this type, suggesting lighter use or periods of limited driving. The jump from 185,391 miles in March 2022 to 191,095 miles by March 2023 represents approximately 5,700 miles in twelve months, which is modest. No dramatic spikes or suspicious drops appear in the odometer record, and the overall mileage of 191,662 is broadly in line with what one would expect from a 2009 vehicle that has seen regular but not heavy use. A buyer inspecting this Accord in person should pay close attention to the front suspension and sub-frame area. The 2023 failure flagged a worn upper wishbone ball joint on the nearside front, and earlier tests in 2021 and 2020 noted worn lower suspension arm bushes, suggesting the front end has been a persistent weak point. The rear sub-frame was flagged for corrosion in April 2023, described as not seriously weakened at that time, but with no subsequent test to confirm whether that corrosion has progressed. The offside rear brake was noted as binding slightly in 2021, and rear brake discs and pads were flagged as worn in 2022, so the rear braking system warrants a thorough check for uneven wear, caliper seizure, and disc condition. The front exhaust had a major leak in March 2023 and a slight leak in 2020, so the exhaust system, particularly the front section and manifold joints, should be examined for cracks, blow points, and corrosion. Headlamp aim and lens condition have appeared as advisories in multiple tests, which may indicate underlying electrical or mounting issues rather than simple bulb replacements. Given the three-year gap since the last MOT, a fresh pre-purchase inspection covering structural rust, suspension bushings, brake operation, and exhaust integrity is strongly advisable before committing to the purchase.