2016 Vauxhall Astra 1.4L Petrol · DT16 WLC

The Vauxhall Astra’s most recent MOT, passed on 1 November 2025 at 101,863 miles, indicates a stable roadworthiness status with no defects recorded. This suggests the vehicle has been maintained adequately since the last test, though the preceding history reveals a pattern of recurring minor and critical faults that warrant closer scrutiny. The most recent failure, on 28 April 2025 at 95,926 miles, highlighted severe brake wear (offside rear pads below 1.5mm with heat damage), low brake fluid, and critical tyre conditions—all issues that should have been addressed before the vehicle was driven. While the November 2025 pass suggests these were rectified, the frequency of tyre-related advisories (four instances in the last two tests) and the persistent exhaust leak imply a lack of proactive maintenance rather than a sudden deterioration. The mileage progression shows consistent usage, averaging around 10,186 miles annually, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no significant gaps or abrupt jumps in mileage, though the absence of tests between April 2024 and April 2025 (a full year without an MOT) is unusual and raises questions about whether the vehicle was off the road or simply not tested. The most notable outlier is the repeated failure of the rear tyres—all four were flagged for being close to or below legal tread limits, with cracking and uneven wear in multiple tests. This suggests either neglect in tyre rotation or replacement, or aggressive driving habits that accelerated tread degradation. A buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the brake system, particularly the rear calipers and discs, given the repeated heat damage advisories and the critical pad thickness recorded in April 2025. The exhaust system’s persistent leak at the flexible pipe junction indicates potential corrosion or deterioration, which could worsen over time and affect emissions or structural integrity. The tyres, now at 101,863 miles, will likely require replacement soon—check for uneven wear patterns or sub-surface damage that wasn’t visible during the MOT. Finally, verify that the clutch and brake fluid levels have been topped up since the last test, as low levels were a recurring issue in earlier failures. The registration plate lamp faults, while minor, should also be confirmed as fixed.