2017 Vauxhall Astra 1.4L Petrol · AK67 TYB

Tyre condition dominates the mechanical narrative of this 2017 Vauxhall Astra, highlighted by a dangerous failure in May 2025 when the off‑side rear tyre was found with exposed ply, and a recurring advisory the same year for slight damage and cracking on the near‑side rear tyre. Apart from that incident, the MOT record shows clean passes in 2024, 2022 and the most recent test in May 2026, with no defects recorded, indicating that no further tyre‑related failures have been logged since the 2025 issue. At 54,741 miles the vehicle averages just over 6,000 miles per year, a usage rate that sits comfortably within normal UK expectations for a nine‑year‑old car. The steady kilometre accumulation, without any large gaps between annual tests, suggests the car has been driven regularly rather than sitting idle for extended periods. Mechanically this translates to moderate wear on consumables such as brake pads, suspension bushings and tyres, but not the accelerated degradation seen on high‑mileage examples. Prospective buyers should give the rear tyre set a thorough visual and tactile inspection: confirm that tread depth meets the legal minimum, probe the sidewalls for any cuts, cracks or bulges, and verify that no cords are exposed. During a test drive listen for low‑frequency thumping over bumps, which can indicate internal tyre damage, and check that the car tracks straight without pulling to one side, a sign that the remaining tyres are still balanced and the suspension geometry is sound. The advisory on near‑side rear brake pads in 2023 means the pads are already thin; the buyer should assess pad thickness directly and expect a replacement within the next few thousand miles, watching for brake pedal judder or a squealing noise under moderate braking. The minor windscreen chips recorded in 2020 and 2021 are not safety‑critical but should be examined for any progression that could impair visibility or require repair. With no structural or emission‑related defects noted, the immediate mechanical risk centres on the rear tyre set and brake wear. Replacing the rear tyres and addressing the brake pads will restore full roadworthiness, while routine checks on tyre pressure, alignment and brake performance will help maintain the vehicle’s compliance with future MOT requirements.