2015 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · DP65 VOY

The most recent MOT, dated 5 January 2024, resulted in a failure. The test recorded a major fault on the near‑side front anti‑roll bar linkage ball joint, a non‑functioning windscreen washer, and a defective near‑side front position lamp, together with a minor registration‑plate lamp fault. Earlier MOTs in 2023 and 2021 only produced advisories, while the 2020 and 2019 tests were clean. This pattern indicates a deterioration in the vehicle’s condition, with the emergence of genuine safety‑critical defects after a period of relatively stable performance. At 112 771 miles the Astra is roughly eleven years old, giving an average annual mileage of about 10 250 miles. This is within the normal UK usage envelope and does not suggest any periods of extreme short‑term mileage accumulation. The mileage progression appears steady, implying that wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components will be consistent with a vehicle of this age rather than being accelerated by high‑speed or high‑load use. The recurring oil‑leak advisories from 2020 and 2024, together with the 2020 coolant‑leak advisory, merit close inspection. Examine the engine bay for fresh oil or coolant stains around the valve cover, oil filter housing and coolant hoses; a persistent but non‑excessive leak can herald worn seals or a deteriorating water pump. During a test drive listen for a low‑level oil drip onto the exhaust, and check the oil level and condition. The anti‑roll bar ball joint wear reported in the latest failure is a suspension concern – verify that the joint is free of play by applying firm pressure to the front wheel and feeling for clunking or excessive movement, and inspect the surrounding bushings for cracking or corrosion. The front lighting failures (washer, position lamp and earlier driving lamp advisory) should be confirmed as rectified; a non‑working washer can impair visibility in rain, and a faulty position lamp may indicate wiring or bulb socket issues that could recur. Tyre wear advisories from 2021 suggest the front tyres were close to the legal tread limit; inspect the current tyre tread depth, sidewall condition and look for uneven wear patterns that could point to mis‑alignment or worn suspension components. Given the vehicle’s age, independent of the recorded defects, a thorough age‑related inspection is advisable. Check the tyre sidewalls for cracking or dry rot, especially if the car has spent long periods stationary. Examine the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and confirm that the pads have adequate material and that calipers move freely without binding. Test the 12 V battery voltage and assess its charge‑holding ability, as batteries over ten years often require replacement. Inspect the chassis for rust, particularly around wheel arches, sills and the under‑tray, and verify that the exhaust system is free of holes or excessive corrosion. Finally, confirm that the timing belt (if fitted) has been replaced according to the manufacturer’s interval – typically around 60 000 miles for many 2015 Astra engines – and that the service book shows regular oil changes and fluid replacements, as time‑based degradation can affect clutch, gearbox and differential performance even on a relatively modest mileage vehicle.