2016 Vauxhall Astra 1.4L Petrol · DN16 ABF

The most recent MOT test on 23 December 2025 resulted in a pass, though it should be noted that this pass came just one day after a failure on 22 December 2025. The failure centred on a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system, classified as a Major defect, while the surrounding advisories remained unchanged across both entries. Looking at the broader history, the maintenance trend appears stable but not improving. The 2023 test was clean aside from advisories concerning front brake discs and pads, the 2024 test introduced a nearside front tyre wear advisory alongside another TPMS failure, and the 2025 test cycle escalated the tyre concerns to include perishing and edge wear on both rear tyres, plus a brake pedal smoothness advisory. The recurrence of the TPMS fault is particularly notable, as it has now appeared as a Major defect on two separate occasions, suggesting an unresolved underlying issue rather than a one-off sensor battery depletion. With approximately 69,538 miles recorded over a ten-year lifespan, this Astra averages around 6,954 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and class. There is no evidence in the records of significant gaps in mileage accumulation, indicating consistent use rather than long periods of standing. This is mechanically favourable, as regular driving tends to keep seals, brakes, and the drivetrain in better working condition than a low-use vehicle. However, at approaching seventy thousand miles, consumable items such as suspension bushes, coil springs, and exhaust mounting rubbers will be subject to natural fatigue, and a thorough physical inspection is warranted regardless of the MOT outcome. The recurring tyre-related advisories warrant close attention from any prospective buyer. The nearside rear tyre showing perishing and the offside rear tyre noted as worn close to the legal limit on its edge suggest uneven wear geometry, which can point to issues with rear wheel alignment, suspension geometry, or tracking. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over bumps and observe whether the vehicle tracks straight without pulling. The nearside front tyre advisory from the 2024 test also suggests the wear pattern may be migrating across axles. A full inspection of all four tyres should be carried out, paying particular attention to sidewall cracking given the vehicle's age, as rubber compounds deteriorate with calendar time regardless of tread depth. The front brake disc and pad advisories from 2023, combined with the mileage, mean the discs may now be approaching a point where replacement is necessary, particularly if they were not changed at the time. On test, feel for any brake shudder through the pedal or steering wheel under firm application, and listen for any grinding or squealing indicative of worn pads contacting worn discs. Beyond the recorded defects, age-related items deserve scrutiny. The brake pedal smoothness advisory, while minor, can indicate a worn pedal rubber that may mask pedal feel during emergency stops, and it is worth confirming whether the brake servo and master cylinder are operating correctly. The persistent TPMS fault across two consecutive test cycles strongly suggests a deeper electrical or sensor issue, and a buyer should verify whether replacement sensors have been fitted or whether the system has been correctly reset after any tyre changes. At ten years old, the twelve-volt battery is almost certainly due for replacement, particularly if it has not been changed recently, and a voltage drop test under load would be prudent. Coolant and brake fluid should be considered due for renewal purely on a calendar basis, as brake fluid is hygroscopic and degrades regardless of mileage. Finally, inspect for any signs of standing corrosion around the wheel arches, underbody seams, brake calipers, and exhaust mounting points, as even regularly driven vehicles in the UK are susceptible to surface corrosion given typical weather exposure.