2015 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Diesel · DF65 UWH

The most recent MOT on 20 April 2026 was a pass, with a single advisory noting that the near‑side front inner tyre is close to the legal tread limit. Over the last six years the record shows a mix of passes and two notable failures – a dangerous rear‑brake‑pad thickness issue and a major front lower ball‑joint wear in 2024, followed by a dangerous tyre tread warning in 2023. Since those failures the vehicle has cleared its MOTs without any further dangerous or major defects, indicating that the owner has addressed the most critical problems and that the maintenance trajectory is now stabilising, though wear‑related advisories remain. At 98,251 miles for a 2015 model the car averages roughly 8,900 miles per year, which sits squarely within normal UK usage patterns. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage accumulation that would suggest severe over‑use, nor are there large gaps that would imply prolonged storage. Consequently the wear observed is largely a function of age and normal kilometre‑related consumption rather than extreme abuse. Prospective buyers should give the braking system close attention. The rear pads were recorded as less than 1.5 mm in 2024 and have been flagged as thin on several occasions; the front pads and discs are also reported as worn and pitted. Expect a slight pedal feel change, possible shudder or vibration when applying the brakes, and listen for squeal that may indicate pad wear or glazing. It would be prudent to have the pads measured and the discs inspected for scoring; replacement of the rear pads is likely imminent, and the front discs may need resurfacing or replacement within the next few thousand miles. The front lower ball‑joint and both rear suspension arm bushes have been noted as worn – a worn ball‑joint can produce a knocking noise on bumps and affect steering precision, while deteriorated bushes may cause clunking from the rear and uneven tyre wear. A thorough visual inspection of the suspension mounts and a test‑drive over uneven surfaces should reveal any excessive play or noises, and a qualified mechanic should confirm the condition of the ball‑joint and consider replacement if movement exceeds the manufacturer’s tolerance. Given the vehicle’s age, additional time‑based checks are advisable even though the MOT record is clean. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking or dry‑rot, as age can degrade rubber irrespective of tread depth. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery, checking voltage and looking for any signs of sulphation, especially if the car has spent periods idle. Examine the under‑carriage for corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches and suspension mounting points, and ensure that all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – have been changed in accordance with the service schedule, as fluid degradation can occur even with modest mileage. A full service history, including any recent brake or suspension work, will provide the best indication that the car has been kept in a road‑worthy state.