1997 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · P683 BPB
1997 Vauxhall Astra (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01 Feb 1997. Recorded mileage 73,350 miles. MOT valid until 01 Jun 2027. Taxed until 01 Jun 2027.
- Make & Model
- VAUXHALL ASTRA
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 01 Jun 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jun 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 73,350 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
P683 BPB Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 28/05/2026
- 73,350 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P683 BPB MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Vauxhall Astra (P683 BPB) between May 2024 and May 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 28 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (4 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 10 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))”.
P683 BPB Mileage History
- 22/05/202464,211 mi
- 29/05/202569,428 mi+5,217 mi
- 29/05/202569,428 mi
- 28/05/202673,350 mi+3,922 mi
- 28/05/202673,350 mi
Average of roughly 4,537 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution due to recent mecha
When inspecting this Astra, prioritise a thorough check of the suspension system. The most recent MOT flagged worn pins or bushes on both the nearside and offside front upper suspension components. You should ask if these have been replaced or if they are still subject to the advisory status.
Furthermore, check the tyre condition specifically on the offside front, as the 2026 MOT noted it was worn close to the legal limit. Given the age of the vehicle, also verify the age of all rubber components, including hoses and seals, to mitigate the risk of the oil leak noted in the latest report.
As a 1.6L petrol engine from the late 1990s, running costs will be higher than a modern equivalent. Expect moderate fuel economy typical of this era of Vauxhall engineering.
Insurance groups for a 1997 Astra are generally low, making it an affordable option for newer drivers. Maintenance costs should be manageable, though you should budget for suspension repairs and periodic oil management due to the recorded leak. Estimated annual running costs are approximately £900-£1,150, depending on annual mileage and insurance profile.
Focus heavily on the front suspension; the 2026 MOT history specifically identifies worn pins or bushes on the front upper components. It is also worth inspecting the headlamp alignment, as this was a reason for failure in the May 2026 test.
Check the engine bay for signs of the 'not excessive' oil leak mentioned in the latest MOT. While not an immediate failure, it indicates a seal or gasket may be nearing the end of its service life. Finally, inspect the rear braking system to ensure the imbalance issue noted in the 2025 MOT has been professionally rectified.
This 1997 blue Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Petrol has covered 73,350 miles, which is significantly lower than the model average for its age. The MOT history shows a pattern of intermittent failures, most recently in May 2026, involving suspension components, tyre wear, and headlamp alignment. While it passed its most recent test, several advisories remain on the record.
Aggregate data for this model shows a 78% MOT pass rate, with common failure points being headlamps, tyres, and inoperative engine mil indicators.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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