2016 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Diesel · DL16 LBO

The most recent MOT, conducted on 28 November 2025 at 80,148 miles, shows a pass, but the record reveals a pattern of unresolved corrosion and recurring electrical faults rather than a stable maintenance trend. The tester flagged the front sub-frame as corroded in both the November 2025 pass and the preceding November 2025 fail, indicating surface corrosion or early-stage pitting has been present for at least the last twelve months without remedial treatment. The tyre pressure monitoring system fault appeared in both the 2023 and 2025 failure events, suggesting the TPMS sensors or control module have not been properly diagnosed or replaced. A rear lamp intensity advisory also carried over from the fail to the pass, meaning the issue was noted but not formally retested as a dangerous defect. Taken together, this is a vehicle where minor advisories and recurring electrical faults have been tolerated rather than resolved, pointing to a reactive rather than proactive maintenance approach by the previous keeper. The mileage progression is broadly typical for a 2016 vehicle, averaging roughly 8,000 miles per year over its ten-year life. However, the gap between the December 2024 test at 68,250 miles and the November 2025 test at 80,148 miles accounts for nearly 12,000 miles in under twelve months, a significant acceleration compared to the prior annual average of approximately 4,500 miles between 2023 and 2024. This step-change in usage rate means the drivetrain, braking components, and suspension have absorbed a disproportionate share of wear in the most recent year, which is critical context for evaluating the current mechanical condition. Buyers should pay close attention to the front sub-frame corrosion flagged in the November 2025 test. While the tester judged it not seriously weakened at that point, corrosion on a sub-frame is progressive and can compromise mounting points for suspension arms, steering racks, and engine mounts if left untreated. A physical inspection with the vehicle on a ramp is essential to determine whether the corrosion is cosmetic surface rust or structural section loss. The recurring TPMS fault also warrants investigation, as it may indicate corroded valve stems, failed internal sensors, or a wiring fault in the ABS reluctor ring circuit that could affect stability control function. The braking system history shows front pads wearing thin and fluctuating service brake readings at the 63,768-mile test in December 2023, but no further brake defects have been recorded since, suggesting pads and discs were replaced during the high-mileage interval. Even so, the combination of accelerated recent mileage and unresolved structural corrosion means a thorough in-person inspection of disc thickness, pad condition, and suspension bush wear is strongly advised before purchase.