2016 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Diesel · DX66 NFF

The 2016 Vauxhall Astra holds a valid MOT pass certificate dated 3 February 2026 at 99,293 miles, with only a minor defect for an inoperative offside rear registration plate lamp. The overall maintenance trend is broadly stable, though the record reveals a pattern of recurring structural and consumable issues that a buyer should not overlook. The most recent test is just over four months old, so the certificate is current, but the underlying condition of the vehicle still warrants careful physical inspection. The mileage progression is consistent with typical use for a ten-year-old car. Between the October 2023 test at 77,962 miles and the November 2024 test at 89,012 miles, the car covered roughly 11,050 miles in just over twelve months. The gap between November 2024 and the February 2026 test is longer, at around fifteen months, yet the mileage increased by only 10,281 miles, suggesting slightly lighter use or a period of reduced activity. There are no glaring anomalies in the odometer readings, and the overall annualised average of approximately 9,929 miles aligns with normal usage rather than extreme low or high mileage. The November 2024 failure exposed several items that point to deferred maintenance. The tester flagged an excessively worn offside front suspension arm ball joint, which directly affects steering precision and front-end stability. Four tyres were also condemned across both axles for bulges, cuts reaching the ply or cords, and perishing, indicating the rubber was aged and neglected. These are not isolated cosmetic issues; a bulged or cut tyre is a serious structural risk, and a worn ball joint can lead to unpredictable handling. The fact that the car passed in February 2026 without any tyre or suspension advisories suggests those items were replaced or rectified, but a buyer should still verify the condition of the tyres and the front suspension bushes, ball joints, and track rod ends in person. The repeated appearance of outer sill damage across multiple tests, from October 2023 through November 2024, raises a concern about corrosion or impact damage to the vehicle's structure. While the most recent test did not list this as a defect, the sill condition should still be inspected underneath for fresh corrosion, poor repairs, or filler. The October 2023 failure also noted worn front brake discs and pads below 1.5 mm, along with an illuminated TPMS warning lamp. These were resolved before the next test, but the history suggests braking components and tyre pressure monitoring were not always kept in good order. A buyer should check the thickness of the front brake discs and pads, confirm the TPMS sensors are functioning, and examine the underside for any signs of ongoing corrosion or mechanical wear that may not yet have triggered a formal defect.