2018 Vauxhall Astra 1.4L Petrol · L13 RBN

A recurring pattern of tyre degradation and intermittent braking and engine advisories defines the roadworthiness history of this vehicle, despite a clean pass on 22 May 2026. While the record shows five consecutive passes, the 2023 and 2025 tests highlighted persistent issues with tyres cracking and perishing, specifically on the offside, alongside concerns regarding brake imbalance and oil leakage. The overall trend suggests a vehicle that has remained roadworthy but has suffered from age-related deterioration of rubber components and fluctuating brake efficiency. The recorded mileage of 38,249 miles over approximately eight years represents a low annual average of roughly 4,781 miles. This usage profile is consistent with the specific defects noted in the MOT history, as low-mileage vehicles are more prone to the perishing and cracking of tyre sidewalls due to a lack of regular heat cycles and movement. Mechanically, this means that while drivetrain wear is likely minimal, the vehicle is more susceptible to the deterioration of rubber seals and consumables that degrade over time regardless of distance travelled. Attention should be directed toward the braking system and engine seals based on the 2023 advisories. Although the most recent tests were clean, the previous recording of imbalanced front brakes and thin rear brake pads suggests a need for a thorough check of pedal response. During a test drive, the buyer should feel for any steering pull or judder under braking, which would indicate lingering imbalance or uneven pad wear. Additionally, the engine bay should be inspected for evidence of oil misting or active leaks, specifically around the gaskets, to determine if the previously noted oil leak has been rectified. The repeated flagging of offside tyres for cracking and perishing across multiple years indicates a potential vulnerability in the tyre set. A physical inspection of all four tyres is necessary to ensure that the perishing noted in 2025 has been addressed with replacements rather than simple tread depth maintenance. The buyer should check for visible hairline cracks in the sidewalls and ensure the tyres are not wearing unevenly on the edges, as was specifically recorded in the 2025 test.