2004 Vauxhall Astravan 1.7L Diesel · FL04 AEE

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend that appears to be worsening as it ages. While the most recent test on 18 October 2025 resulted in a pass, the record shows a failure just two days prior on 16 October 2025 due to poor parking brake efficiency and a damaged nearside brake cable. The vehicle has a long-standing history of recurring issues, particularly regarding corrosion and suspension components. The presence of corroded brake pipes, corroded rear coil springs, and leaking shock absorbers in the 2025 tests indicates that while the vehicle is being kept legally on the road, underlying degradation is continuing. The available mileage data is insufficient to establish a definitive annual usage pattern. The last recorded mileage was 156,200 miles in September 2019. Since no subsequent mileage figures were provided for the tests between 2020 and 2025, it is impossible to determine if the vehicle is being driven frequently or has been sitting idle. However, the lack of data for the last six years makes it difficult to assess whether the mechanical wear is consistent with the vehicle's age. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the chassis and fuel system. The MOT history shows a persistent pattern of corrosion, with fuel pipes flagged in 2021 and 2024, and structural corrosion noted in 2021. The 2019 failure specifically identified a sub-frame fracture, which is a significant structural concern that requires verification of any subsequent repairs. The recurring issues with brake pipes and exhaust condition suggest that the vehicle's underside is subject to significant environmental degradation. Suspension and braking systems require immediate attention. The record shows repeated failures and advisories involving ball joints, anti-roll bar linkages, and shock absorbers dating back to 2017. The 2025 advisories for leaking shock absorbers and corroded coil springs suggest these components are nearing the end of their serviceable life. Given the history of fluctuating brakes and damaged brake cables, a hands-on test of the braking performance and a detailed check of the rear brake lines and parking brake mechanism is essential.