2016 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Diesel · CX65 AEC

The 2025-10-08 MOT at 151,048 miles resulted in a pass, the most recent assessment. However, the vehicle’s maintenance trend is neither stable nor improving; recurring seat‑belt webbing damage, persistent tyre wear, and repeated suspension arm ball‑joint warnings across the 2023‑2025 tests indicate continued deterioration rather than resolution. The mileage profile shows a high annual average of roughly 15,105 miles for a 2016 model, far above typical usage for a ten‑year‑old car. Mileage jumps from 102,285 miles in December 2020 to 107,207 miles a year later, then to 120,864 miles by September 2022, reflecting accelerated use. Gaps between tests are minimal, with most intervals limited to one year, suggesting the owner has kept the car in regular service but has accumulated mileage quickly. A buyer should focus on the suspension system, particularly the off‑side front lower arm ball joint and its dust cover, the near‑side front suspension arm pin or bush wear, and the condition of the coil springs, which have fractured twice in 2020 and 2021. Brake components merit close inspection, given the near‑side rear pad thickness falling below 1.5 mm in 2024 and the recurring wear of the near‑side front tyre to the legal limit. Seat‑belt webbing integrity must be verified, as the defect has re‑appeared in every test since 2021. Finally, the off‑side front track‑rod end ball joint dust cover, while not causing a fail in the latest test, shows signs of deterioration that could allow dirt ingress and accelerate wear of the steering linkage. Structural rust or corrosion is not recorded, but the repeated failures of suspension components and brake pads suggest that a thorough physical examination of these areas, along with a check of tyre tread depth and seat‑belt functionality, is essential before purchase.