2003 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · SX03 AHU
2003 Vauxhall Astra (1.6L, petrol). First registered 09/05/2003. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- VAUXHALL ASTRA
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Inverness
- MOT Status
- Valid until 21/10/2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- —
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2003
- Engine
- 1598cc
SX03 AHU Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 23/10/2023
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 16 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (13 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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SX03 AHU MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Vauxhall Astra (SX03 AHU) between October 2021 and October 2023.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 23 October 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (13 issues), Lighting (12 issues), Tyres (11 issues), Bodywork (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 37 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: “Nearside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. The MOT hi
The primary concern with this vehicle is the persistence of the same issues across multiple years. Items such as noisy wheel bearings, worn shock absorber bushes, and perishing tyres were noted in 2021 and remained as advisories in 2023, suggesting these repairs may not have been carried out. You should verify if any of these specific components have been replaced since the last test.
Given the age and the recorded 'general corrosion' under the vehicle and across the suspension, a professional underside inspection is essential. Negotiate the price based on the likely requirement for a comprehensive suspension overhaul and rust treatment to ensure the vehicle remains roadworthy.
The 1.6L petrol engine is a standard, widely supported unit, which should keep routine part costs manageable. However, the insurance group and tax band will be typical for a 2003 small family hatchback, with fuel economy reflecting the technology of the early 2000s.
Annual running costs will likely be higher than average for this model due to the evident wear and tear. Budgeting for the rectification of the repeated MOT advisories, alongside standard servicing, will be necessary.
Carefully inspect the underbody and suspension for rust, paying close attention to the coil springs and brake hose ferrules mentioned in the 2023 MOT. Check the tyre sidewalls for the 'perishing' or cracking noted in three consecutive years of testing.
Listen for humming or droning sounds from the wheel bearings, which were flagged as noisy in both 2021 and 2023. Additionally, check the headlamp lenses for the defects noted in the MOT history to see if they have been replaced or remain clouded.
This 2003 black Vauxhall Astra 1.6 petrol has a record marked by recurring advisories. Since 2021, the vehicle has consistently been flagged for under-vehicle corrosion, worn shock absorber bushes, and perishing tyres. The most recent MOT in October 2023 highlights further deterioration, specifically noting corrosion to the brake hose ferrules and coil springs.
The Astra has an average MOT pass rate of 78%, with common failure points including headlamps and tyres, both of which are evident in this specific vehicle's history.
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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