2012 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · 97 AVT

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, having passed its most recent inspection in March 2026 at 77,942 miles. The maintenance history shows a trend of reactive repairs rather than proactive upkeep. While the most recent test cleared previous mechanical failures, the back-to-back failures in 2024 and 2025 indicate that the owner only addresses faults once they cause an MOT failure, rather than replacing worn components during routine servicing. At 14 years old, the recorded 77,942 miles represents a low annual usage average of approximately 5,500 miles. This low mileage suggests the vehicle was not subjected to long motorway journeys, which often accelerates the degradation of rubber-based components. Between March 2024 and March 2025, the car covered 6,682 miles, showing a slight increase in use during that period. However, low mileage often correlates with seized brake components and corrosion due to lack of use, which aligns with the mechanical issues noted in the record. A buyer must pay close attention to the suspension and braking systems. The record shows a fractured offside rear coil spring in March 2024, followed by a nearside rear coil spring failure in March 2025. This pattern suggests the suspension components may be reaching the end of their fatigue life or suffering from corrosion. Furthermore, the March 2024 test flagged front brakes as imbalanced and only just met, specifically noting nearside lagging. This indicates a binding caliper or a sticking slider pin that requires a physical inspection to ensure even pad wear and consistent stopping performance. The persistent delamination of both front and rear registration plates across three consecutive years is a minor cosmetic issue but reflects a general lack of attention to detail. The March 2024 failure for tyres worn on the inner edges also points to potential alignment issues or incorrect camber. An in person inspection should verify the chassis for structural rust, given the age of the vehicle, and ensure the low mileage has not masked underlying structural decay in the sills or floor pans.