Honda Civic Type R (2004)
2004 Honda Civic Type R
CarHunch analysed 345 real MOT records for the 2004 Honda Civic Type R. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2004 Honda Civic Type-R is a significantly unreliable prospect: only 32.4% pass their MOT first time, versus the UK average of 80%, and petrol examples in this sample have a 0% pass rate while the "Other" fuel category (likely hybrid or converted models) sits at 73%. No vehicles recorded dangerous defects, which is the only bright spot here.
These cars average 112,496 miles, suggesting they've been driven hard as performance cars, and they're racking up 0.51 failures per vehicle on test—typical wear-and-tear rather than catastrophic faults. If you're considering one, budget for immediate pre-purchase inspection and factor in regular remedial work; the Type-R's track-focused engineering and age mean running costs will be higher than standard Civics.
What to check before buying a 2004 Honda Civic Type R
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Honda Civic Type R
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (56%) | 192 | 0% | 0 |
| Other (44%) | 153 | 73% | 1.14 |
2004 Honda Civic Type R — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 27 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (30% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Honda Civic Type R?
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