2002 VAUXHALL ASTRA1.6L Petrol

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a pass on 20 July 2026 at 47,964 miles, but the maintenance trend shows signs of worsening neglect regarding consumables and engine cooling. The most recent test required a failure retest due to a major exhaust gas leak and low coolant levels, which were resolved to achieve the pass. While the vehicle passed, the presence of multiple tyres worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edges indicates a lack of proactive maintenance. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 2,000 miles per year. This pattern is evident in the jump from 31,653 miles in July 2022 to 37,524 miles in July 2023, and more recently from 44,811 miles in July 2025 to 47,964 miles in July 2026. Such low annual usage often suggests long periods of inactivity, which correlates with the recurring advisories for perishing or cracking tyres seen in the 2022 and 2025 records. A prospective buyer should conduct a thorough inspection of the cooling system and exhaust integrity. The 2026 failure for low coolant and an engine running hot, combined with a major exhaust leak, suggests potential issues with the radiator, hoses, or head gasket that require verification. The recurring exhaust leaks noted in both 2022 and 2026 indicate that the exhaust system may be prone to corrosion or structural failure. Suspension components also require close scrutiny. The 2018 failure for excessive movement in the Macpherson struts and the 2024 failure regarding an anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover point to wear in the front suspension assembly. Given the low mileage and age, the buyer must also check for rubber degradation in all suspension bushes and seals, as the history of perishing tyres suggests the vehicle may suffer from age-related deterioration of rubber components despite the low distance travelled.