2012 Vauxhall Astra 1.7L Diesel · DS12 BHO

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a reactive rather than proactive approach to repairs. While the most recent test in December 2025 at 70,860 miles was a pass, it followed a failure just one week prior. This November failure revealed critical issues, including a major exhaust leak and multiple tyre defects. The transition from a failure to a pass within seven days suggests that the owner only addresses faults when they threaten the MOT certificate, rather than performing routine preventative maintenance. At 14 years old, the recorded mileage of 70,860 miles is notably low, averaging approximately 5,000 miles per year. The data shows a significant increase in usage between November 2024 and December 2025, where the car covered over 8,700 miles in a short period. The low overall annual mileage likely contributes to the age-related degradation seen in the 2022 test, where auditors noted perishing and cracking on the rear tyres. This often occurs when a vehicle sits stationary for long periods rather than being subjected to regular use. A buyer must inspect the exhaust system thoroughly to ensure the major leak identified in late 2025 has been professionally rectified and not merely patched. The recurring issues with front tyres reaching the legal wear limit in both late 2024 and 2025 suggest a potential alignment problem or worn suspension components that are causing uneven wear. Given the thin rear brake pads noted in November 2024, a physical inspection of the entire braking system is required to confirm that the components are not seized or nearing the end of their life.