2002 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · DE02 FMD

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 13 November 2021 at 122 032 miles, recording only a front offside tyre worn close to the legal limit. The overall roadworthiness is therefore acceptable, and the maintenance trend shows improvement: earlier failures in 2015‑2016 concerning stop lamps, anti‑roll bar linkages and brake‑pipe corrosion have not reappeared, while the 2020‑2021 test eliminated the exhaust noise and pipe corrosion advisories. The pattern suggests that basic upkeep was applied after the mid‑2010s failures, yet the brake‑pipe corrosion issue recurs across several years, indicating a latent corrosion problem rather than a deteriorating trend. Mileage accumulation over the car’s life averages roughly 5 085 miles per year, a low figure for a 24‑year‑old model. The gap between the December 2020 test (111 576 miles) and the November 2021 test (122 032 miles) spans ten months and covers about 10 456 miles, a relatively high short‑term usage rate compared with the long‑term average. The record becomes sparse after 2021, offering no further data to confirm whether mileage growth has stabilised or accelerated. A buyer should inspect the front tyres for uneven wear, as the November 2021 test flagged the offside front tyre at the legal limit. The brake pipes, especially the front ones, show repeated corrosion advisories from 2016‑2020; a hands‑on check for grease‑covered or corroded sections is essential. The Macpherson strut upper attachments exhibited slight movement in 2013, 2016 and 2020; visual inspection for excessive play or worn bushings is warranted. The anti‑roll bar linkage has been noted with play in the ball joint on multiple occasions, so the joint should be examined for looseness. The exhaust presents a noise issue and a minor tail‑pipe leak from 2020; a listening check and visual scan for rust holes are advisable. The windscreen washer liquid level and registration‑plate condition were previously marginal; these consumables should be tested. Finally, the plastic covers on the bodysills, noted since 2014, may hide under‑body corrosion; a thorough underside inspection is recommended. In summary, the car remains roadworthy with a generally improving maintenance record, but the buyer must pay close attention to tyre wear, brake‑pipe corrosion, suspension strut and anti‑roll bar health, exhaust integrity and under‑body condition before purchase.