2014 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · DP14 NND

The vehicle shows a consistent pattern of reactive maintenance, where faults are only addressed following MOT failures. The most recent test on 16 July 2026 at 86,506 miles passed just one day after a significant failure. This failure identified an incorrect offside headlamp aim, a binding offside rear brake with worn-out pads, a perished offside upper anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover, and both front tyres worn to the legal limit. A persistent front oil leak has been noted in almost every test since 2021, indicating a long-term issue that has not been fully rectified despite being flagged multiple times. At 86,506 miles over 12 years, the Astra averages approximately 7,200 miles per year, which is typical for a used road car. However, the record reveals recurring neglect of routine wear and tear items. The offside rear shock absorber progressed from a light misting in 2022 to a serious fluid leak by 2025. Similarly, the offside rear coil spring was fractured in 2023. The frequent appearance of thin brake pads and worn tyres across multiple years suggests that previous owners often waited until components reached the point of failure rather than performing preventative servicing. A prospective buyer should inspect the front engine bay for the extent of the oil leak, as it has remained a constant advisory for years. The binding rear service brake noted in July 2026 requires a close check to ensure the caliper is not seized or suffering from corrosion. Given the history of fractured springs and perished anti-roll bar components, a thorough inspection of the suspension geometry is necessary to ensure no further structural damage has developed. While the car is currently roadworthy, the data reflects a history of minimum necessary repairs rather than proactive mechanical care.