2008 Vauxhall Astra 1.4L Petrol · DN08 AAE
2008 Vauxhall Astra (1.4L, petrol). First registered 08 May 2008. Recorded mileage 118,895 miles. MOT valid until 30 Jan 2027. Taxed until 01 Jun 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- VAUXHALL ASTRA
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Shrewsbury
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 30 Jan 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jun 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 118,895 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
DN08 AAE Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 31/01/2026
- 118,895 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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DN08 AAE Mileage History
- 18/12/2023107,986 mi
- 10/01/2025114,208 mi+6,222 mi
- 13/01/2025114,256 mi+48 mi
- 31/01/2026118,895 mi+4,639 mi
- 31/01/2026118,895 mi
Average of roughly 5,142 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
DN08 AAE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2008 Vauxhall Astra (DN08 AAE) between December 2023 and January 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 31 January 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Rear Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution unless the service history is bulletproof. While the car is a budget option, the recurring oil leak and recent MOT failures suggest a history of reactive rather than proactive maintenance.
Your priority should be the source of the oil leak which has been noted in every MOT since late 2023; while it is described as 'not excessive', you should check if this is a simple gasket seal or a more expensive engine seal problem. Ask the seller for a full service history to ensure the oil changes have been performed regularly, as these 1.4 engines are sensitive to long service intervals.
Check the tyres thoroughly. The 2025 failure showed a tyre with a structural tear and another below the legal limit, suggesting the previous owner was cutting corners on safety. Ensure all four tyres have significant tread depth and show no signs of uneven wear, which would indicate an alignment issue.
The 1.4-litre engine sits in a relatively low insurance group and tax band, making it affordable to run for first-time drivers. Expect around 40-45 MPG on mixed routes, though city driving will likely be more fuel-heavy.
Maintenance costs for the Astra are generally low as parts are widely available and easy to work on. You should budget an annual running cost of approximately £700-£900, covering fuel, tax, insurance, and routine wear and tear items.
Inspect the underbody specifically for signs of the oil leak mentioned in the 2023, 2025, and 2026 MOTs. Look at the engine block and valve cover for fresh oil or weeping which could indicate where the leak originates.
Test all lighting components, as the car failed in 2026 for both a front position and rear stop lamp. Additionally, inspect the condition of the tyres for cracking or perishing, given the 2025 failure for structural damage and the 2023 advisory for cracking.
This 2008 Vauxhall Astra features a 1.4 petrol engine and has covered 118,895 miles, which is typical for its age. The MOT history shows a consistent pattern of oil leaks across three consecutive years and recent failures related to tyres and lighting. While it has passed its most recent test, the frequency of advisories indicates the owner may have neglected minor repairs until inspection.
The 2008 Astra is generally considered a reliable commuter, but the 1.4 engine can suffer from oil consumption if not maintained.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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