2012 Vauxhall Astra 1.7L Diesel · FH12 CVB

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the MOT history reveals a pattern of reactive maintenance rather than preventative care. While it passed its latest test in May 2026 at 70,748 miles, this followed two consecutive failures within just ten days. The trend shows a vehicle where mechanical faults are only addressed immediately upon an inspection failure. The presence of a damaged engine mounting and high exhaust emissions in the May 2026 tests suggests significant engine-related issues that were neglected prior to the recent repairs. At 14 years old, the recorded mileage of 70,748 miles is notably low, averaging approximately 5,053 miles per year. However, the data shows a recent burst of activity, with the car covering 6,612 miles between April 2025 and May 2026. This rapid accumulation after periods of lower use often leads to the degradation of rubber components. The April 2025 failure noted a perished rear rear tyre supports the theory that the vehicle may have sat stationary for long periods, causing the rubber to dry out and crack. A buyer must inspect the engine bay closely, as the previous test flagged all four engine mounts as detached and the central front mounting as damaged. Even if replaced, the buyer should check for excessive vibration or noise that indicates poor installation. The braking system is a recurring point of concern with both front and rear pads flagged as wearing thin across multiple tests in May 2026. This indicates the owner waits until components reach the point of failure before replacement, which can cause secondary damage to calipers and rotors. Final attention should be paid to the glass and exterior trim. The front windscreen was consistently flagged for damage throughout the 2026 testing, and the wing mirrors were reported as insecure in 2025. Given the history of an inoperative check engine light (MIL) in 2025, the buyer should verify that the management system is functioning correctly and that no hidden fault codes remain following the emissions failure.