2013 Vauxhall Astra 1.4L Petrol · DS62 KAX

The Vauxhall Astra’s most recent MOT test on 2024-11-09 confirms it remains roadworthy, though the immediate preceding test on 2024-11-06—just three days earlier—was a failure without recorded defects. This anomaly suggests either a temporary administrative error or a last-minute correction, but the clean pass in November 2024 indicates no major mechanical failures were detected at 86,550 miles. The broader trend over the past three years shows consistent passes with no advisories or recurring faults, implying the vehicle has been maintained at a basic level without major neglect. However, the duplicate entries for November 2022—one pass and one fail at identical mileage—raise suspicion of either a clerical oversight or a test that narrowly avoided failure, warranting closer scrutiny of components prone to marginal failures. The recorded mileage of 86,550 miles over 13 years averages approximately 6,658 miles annually, which aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. There are no significant gaps in mileage between tests, though the jump from 73,746 miles in November 2022 to 81,378 miles in October 2023 suggests around 7,632 miles were covered in just over a year, which is slightly above the average. This could indicate either consistent driving or a period of higher usage. The absence of advisories or defects in any test suggests no urgent structural concerns, but the lack of detailed maintenance records means wear items like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers may have deteriorated beyond their serviceable limits without formal notation. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of suspension components—particularly the rear suspension, as binding calipers or worn bushes are common in this model—and verify the structural integrity of the subframe and sills for corrosion. The brakes, while not explicitly failed, should be checked for uneven wear or binding, especially if the vehicle was driven hard between tests. Tyres, though not flagged, should be examined for uneven tread depth or signs of internal damage, as the lack of advisories could mask gradual degradation. Finally, the electrical system and exhaust emissions—often overlooked in basic MOTs—should be tested, as intermittent failures can go unnoticed until they become serious. The duplicate MOT entries in 2022 warrant particular attention to any components that might have narrowly avoided failure, such as steering linkages or suspension dampers.