2018 Vauxhall Astra 1.0L Petrol · BA18 ABU

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift from clean records to emerging mechanical wear issues. The most recent test in March 2026 at 82,781 miles identified light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber and a non-excessive central front oil leak. While these did not result in a failure, they indicate that the vehicle is entering a phase where component degradation requires proactive attention following several years of relatively clean MOT results. The mileage pattern is consistent with an eight-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 10,300 miles per year. There is a steady progression in usage between the 2022 test at 39,122 miles and the 2026 test at 82,781 miles, with a notable jump of over 12,000 miles between 2024 and 2025. This regularity suggests the car has been used consistently rather than sitting for long periods, which likely explains the gradual wear observed on rubber components and braking hardware. A buyer should focus their inspection on the braking and suspension systems given the history of issues. The vehicle failed in April 2023 due to worn brake pads on both axles, and previous records from 2021 noted pitted discs and a binding caliper. The current misting on the offside front shock absorber should be monitored to ensure the seal is not progressing toward a full hydraulic failure. Additionally, the history of perishing tyres in both 2021 and 2025 necessitates a thorough check of the sidewalls on the current tyres to ensure the rubber is not cracking despite having sufficient tread depth.