2016 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Diesel · DN16 ORU

The 2016 Vauxhall Astra presents a mixed maintenance trend, improving recently but shadowed by a serious failure in October 2024. The most recent test on 2025-10-14 at 75,621 miles passed, though the tester flagged a blocked offside washer jet. This followed a failure the previous day for identical rear tyre sidewall tears exposing cords, alongside a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system. The rapid repair and pass suggest the immediate safety risks were addressed, yet the recurrence of structural tyre failures and the previous neglect of a leaking fuel pipe indicate a pattern of deferred maintenance. The vehicle currently sits in a technically compliant state, but the history reveals intermittent care rather than consistent preventative upkeep. Accumulating 75,621 miles over ten years equates to roughly 7,562 miles annually, a typical figure reflecting lighter use or extended periods standing. The MOT records show steady increments, covering 626 miles between the October 2023 and October 2024 tests, and 1,300 miles between the October 2024 and October 2025 tests. There are no glaring gaps or sudden spikes in the recorded mileage, ruling out long-term abandonment or severe high-mileage abuse. This low annual distance likely contributed to the pitted rear brake discs and perished tyre sidewalls, as components often degrade from standing and short, infrequent journeys rather than high-speed wear. A physical inspection must thoroughly assess the rear axle and fuel system, given the recurring defects documented in 2024. The October 2024 test flagged a leaking rear fuel pipe union at the fuel filter housing, a hazardous fault that demands close scrutiny for any signs of persistent dampness, fuel odour, or structural corrosion along the lines. The rear brake discs were worn and pitted during the same test, and while the vehicle passed in 2025, pitting often leads to brake judder or reduced braking efficiency. Both rear tyres suffered structural sidewall tears exposing cords in October 2025, a critical failure point. Buyers should verify the exact condition of the replacement tyres and check the remaining tread depth, as well as inspecting the suspension components for any wear that might cause uneven edge wear or abnormal tyre degradation. The TPMS malfunction also requires diagnostic scanning to rule out sensor failure or wiring issues.