2015 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · DN65 KMU

The most recent MOT, carried out on 29 August 2026, resulted in a failure, with two major defects recorded – a non‑functional windscreen washer system and a reversing‑lamp switch that does not operate automatically when reverse gear is selected – together with an advisory that factory‑fitted body covers are restricting a full inspection. The preceding twelve‑month period showed a pass in July 2025 but with an advisory about the same body covers, and a pass in September 2024 that highlighted a rear brake disc showing wear and pitting, plus a non‑flashing tyre‑pressure warning. Earlier in 2023 the car passed without defects, while a September 2023 test recorded a major front‑position lamp failure and a significant exhaust leak. Overall the trend is deteriorating, moving from clean passes in 2023 to multiple major failures in the last two years, indicating that key safety‑related components are being neglected or are reaching the end of their service life. At 102 435 miles recorded on a 2015 Astra, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 9 300 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the normal UK usage envelope for a vehicle of this age. There are no obvious large mileage gaps that would suggest prolonged periods of inactivity, nor is the accumulation unusually rapid. Consequently the wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads and clutch components is likely to be proportional to age rather than excessive mileage, but the age of the vehicle means that time‑related degradation – rubber hardening, corrosion, and fluid breakdown – must be taken into account alongside the recorded miles. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the items that caused the latest failure. Verify that the windscreen washer pump, hoses and nozzle jets are intact, free of leaks and capable of delivering a steady spray; a weak or intermittent washer can be a symptom of a failing pump or clogged lines. The reversing‑lamp switch should be tested by engaging reverse gear and observing whether the rear lamp illuminates promptly; a delayed or absent response often points to a faulty switch or wiring harness corrosion, which can also affect other rear‑light circuits. The front nearside position lamp must be inspected for bulb integrity, connector condition and correct grounding – a non‑working lamp can indicate a simple burnt filament or a more serious wiring fault. The exhaust leak noted in 2023 should be examined visually at the manifold and along the front pipe for cracks, rust‑through or loose clamps; a leaking exhaust can produce a noticeable rattling noise, a sulphur smell in the cabin and may affect emissions compliance. The rear brake disc advisory suggests the discs are already pitted; the buyer should check disc thickness with a micrometer, feel for any pulsation or shudder when braking, and listen for metallic squeal that could indicate worn pads or uneven disc wear. The tyre‑pressure light advisory, while not a safety defect, hints at possible sensor failure or slow tyre leakage – a quick visual inspection for cuts, sidewall cracks and uneven tread wear is advisable, and a diagnostic scan of the TPMS modules should be performed. Beyond the recorded defects, age‑related checks are essential. Examine all tyres for sidewall cracking, dry‑rot or hardening of the rubber, especially if the car has been stored for extended periods; even with moderate mileage, tyres older than six years should be considered for replacement. Test the 12‑volt battery with a load tester, as a battery of this age may have lost capacity and could fail under cold‑weather demand. Inspect the under‑carriage for corrosion on suspension bushes, control arm bolts and exhaust hangers, and verify that the coil springs show no signs of sagging or cracked coils. Drain and replace brake fluid if it has not been serviced in the last two years, as hygroscopic fluid can degrade and reduce braking efficiency. Finally, request a full service book and confirm that major services, timing‑belt or chain changes (if applicable), and oil changes have been logged at appropriate intervals; a well‑documented service history will mitigate many of the concerns raised by the recent MOT failures.