1998 VAUXHALL ASTRA1.4L Petrol

The vehicle is currently roadworthy with a stable maintenance trend. The most recent MOT on 4 February 2026 at 48,834 miles resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded. This follows two previous clean passes in February 2025 and April 2024, suggesting the car has been kept in a condition that meets minimum legal standards without recurring mechanical failures. The mileage is exceptionally low for a 28 year old vehicle, averaging roughly 1,744 miles per year. A notable gap in usage occurred between April 2024 and February 2025, where the odometer moved only 159 miles from 41,335 to 41,494. Usage increased significantly in the following year, adding 7,340 miles by the February 2026 test. This pattern suggests the car spent long periods stationary before returning to more regular use. While the MOT history is clean, the low mileage and periods of inactivity present specific risks not captured by a standard test. A buyer should personally inspect the brake discs for surface corrosion and check for binding calipers, as stationary vehicles often suffer from seized components. The rubber elements, including suspension bushes, tyre sidewalls, and coolant hoses, should be examined for perishing or dry rot caused by age rather than wear. Structural integrity is the primary concern for a Vauxhall of this era. The absence of MOT advisories is positive, but a physical inspection of the sills, floor pans, and wheel arches for hidden corrosion is essential. Given the low mileage, the engine oil and other lubricants should be verified to ensure they have been changed regardless of distance travelled to prevent internal sludge build-up.