2004 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · CW04 AAJ

The most recent DVSA MOT test recorded for this 2004 Vauxhall Astra was conducted on 3 December 2025 and resulted in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded, indicating the vehicle met the statutory roadworthiness requirements at that time. However, it is worth noting that the same date also shows a failed test result with no defects listed, which typically suggests an administrative or data entry anomaly where the test outcome was subsequently amended rather than an outright mechanical failure. Looking at the broader recent history, the vehicle passed its MOT on 2 December 2024 and 29 November 2023, both with no defects recorded. The overall maintenance trend therefore appears stable and consistent, with the vehicle passing three consecutive annual tests without any advisories, suggesting that it has been reasonably maintained or at least kept in a roadworthy condition at each annual inspection. With a recorded mileage of 90,566 miles over approximately 22 years, this Astra has averaged around 4,117 miles per year, which is substantially below the typical annual mileage for a vehicle of this era and class. Such low annual usage suggests either a secondary or leisure role, or significant periods of standing or very light use between MOTs. While low mileage generally reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch, and gearbox, it introduces its own set of age-related concerns. Long periods of standing can lead to corrosion on brake discs, seizing of brake calipers, deterioration of rubber and polymer components, and degradation of lubricants and fluids purely through calendar ageing rather than active use. Given the clean MOT record, the absence of recorded advisories means there is no specific defect history to investigate further; however, a prospective buyer should still conduct a thorough physical inspection tailored to a 22-year-old low-mileage vehicle. The tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber deteriorates with age regardless of tread depth, and any tyres older than six years from their DOT date stamp should be replaced regardless of remaining tread. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as batteries typically fail after five to seven years and a failed battery would prevent the vehicle from starting. Brake discs should be inspected for surface corrosion and pitting from standing, and the caliper slide pins and handbrake mechanism should be checked for binding or seizure by ensuring the wheels rotate freely when released. All fluid systems, including engine coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid where applicable, should be assessed for time-based degradation, with brake fluid being particularly critical as it is hygroscopic and should be replaced regardless of mileage every two to three years to prevent corrosion within the brake hydraulic system. On a test drive, the buyer should listen carefully for any suspension clunks or knocks over uneven road surfaces, which would indicate worn suspension bushes, top mounts, or coil springs that have sagged with age even at low mileage. The steering should be checked for vagueness or knocking at full lock, the gearbox and clutch for smooth operation, and the engine for any unusual noises, excessive smoke from the exhaust, or irregular running that might suggest the effects of infrequent use such as oil starvation or fuel system varnish. The exhaust system should be physically inspected for corrosion, as a 22-year-old exhaust is likely nearing the end of its service life and may have MOT advisories not yet recorded. Finally, verifying the service book stamps and requesting evidence of cambelt replacement history is essential, as the cambelt on an Astra of this vintage should have been replaced at manufacturer-recommended intervals, and a neglected cambelt on an interference engine would result in catastrophic engine damage.