2009 Vauxhall Astra 1.8L Petrol · DG09 LWD

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift towards developing mechanical wear. While the most recent MOT test in February 2026 at 108,749 miles passed, the tester identified worn nearside and offside front suspension arm bushes. This represents a progression from the clean record in 2024, indicating that rubber components are now reaching the end of their operational life. The history of a significant failure in early 2024 suggests periods of reactive rather than proactive maintenance. The mileage pattern is consistent with a low-use vehicle, averaging approximately 6,400 miles per year over its seventeen-year life. There is a notable gap between November 2022 at 93,852 miles and January 2024 at 99,485 miles, where the car covered only 5,633 miles in fourteen months. While low annual mileage generally reduces wear on the drivetrain and engine, it often leads to the degradation of seals and rubber, which may be evidenced by the non-excessive oil leak noted during the February 2025 test. A buyer must inspect the braking system and exhaust thoroughly, as the 2024 failure revealed multiple critical issues including an ABS fault, inoperative parking brake, and a leak in the back box. Although these were rectified to pass the subsequent tests, the fluctuating rear service brake recorded during that period suggests the discs may be thin or unevenly. The front suspension requires a close physical check for play in the arms to ensure precision, as the worn bushes flagged in the 2026 advisory will soon require immediate replacement to maintain vehicle handling and safety.