2014 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · DY64 FNG

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive rather than preventative care. While it passed its latest test in July 2025 at 102,435 miles, the immediate failure prior to that highlights significant safety lapses. The tester identified a fractured offside rear coil spring and a missing mounting bolt on the nearside rear brake caliper, alongside an exhaust leak. These mechanical failures suggest that the previous owner only addressed critical components once they resulted in an MOT failure, rather than performing routine mechanical inspections. The mileage progression is consistent with a twelve-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 8,500 miles per year. Between July 2023 at 86,327 miles and August 2024 at 96,080 miles, the car covered nearly 10,000 miles in a year, indicating a steady level of use. However, the 2024 advisory noted front tyres worn to the legal limit and on the edges, which often points to underlying alignment issues or neglected suspension wear that was not fully resolved until the following year's failed test. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension and braking system due to recurring faults in these areas. The history shows multiple anti-roll bar ball joints and suspension arm dust covers failing in 2023, indicating the rubber components across the chassis are degrading. The buyer should check the rear brake caliper mounting for signs of movement or stress and inspect the new coil spring for any surface corrosion. Additionally, the exhaust leak noted in July 2025 should be verified to ensure the repair was permanent, as minor leaks can lead to larger structural failures if ignored.