2014 Vauxhall Astra 1.4L Petrol · CV14 BCX

The vehicle failed the most recent MOT on 2026‑04‑03 at 90 209 miles, with the tester flagging a fractured rear offside coil spring and a corroded nearside rear coil spring (5.3.1 (b)(i)). The same test also recorded front brake disc wear (1.1.14 (a)(i)), rear brake disc pitting (1.1.14 (a)(ii)) and tyre tread depths at the legal limit (front 3 mm, rear 2 mm). This failure marks a clear deterioration compared with the clean passes recorded from 2017 through 2025, indicating that the suspension condition has worsened rather than stabilised. Mileage accumulation shows a steady average of roughly 7 518 miles per year over the 12‑year life, which is typical for the class. The gap between the April 2025 test (85 773 miles) and the April 2026 test (90 211 miles) represents a rise of about 4 438 miles in eleven months, suggesting a period of heavier use or possibly deferred maintenance. Earlier years display sparse advisories—only a nail in a rear tyre in 2022 and thin brake pads in 2020—demonstrating that the vehicle was generally well‑maintained until the recent coil‑spring issues emerged. A prospective buyer should inspect the rear suspension closely, looking for any signs of coil‑spring fracture, corrosion or uneven seating. The brake discs should be examined for wear and pitting, and the pads checked for thin wear indicators. Tyre condition warrants a detailed look: front tyres at 3 mm tread and rear tyres at 2 mm indicate they are approaching the legal limit and may need replacement soon. Also assess the chassis for rust, the exhaust for corrosion, and suspension bushes for looseness, as these components have not shown defects in the past but can be affected by the high mileage. Overall, the MOT history points to a vehicle that has been driven regularly and serviced intermittently, with the most recent test exposing a critical suspension fault. The pattern of low defect rates up to 2025 followed by a failure in 2026 suggests that routine inspections were missed or delayed, allowing the coil springs to deteriorate. A thorough pre‑purchase inspection focusing on the rear suspension, braking system and tyre wear will be essential to confirm the car’s roadworthiness before acquisition.