2016 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Diesel · FL66 MFA

The 2016 Vauxhall Astra presents a clean bill of health following its most recent MOT on 14 January 2026, where it passed at 127,958 miles with zero defects recorded. This is a notable turnaround from the failed test conducted on the same day, which flagged worn rear brake discs, pads below 1.5mm, and a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system. The immediate retest pass confirms these items were rectified promptly. Looking at the broader maintenance trend, the picture is mixed. The February 2025 test at 120,278 miles revealed inner rear brake pads wearing thin and both rear discs showing wear, pitting, or scoring, suggesting rear braking components have been a recurring area of attention. The January 2026 failure and subsequent repair indicate the rear braking system has been actively managed rather than neglected, though it remains a component group that demands ongoing monitoring. The vehicle has covered approximately 12,800 miles per year, which sits on the higher side for a ten-year-old family car. Mileage accumulation has been relatively consistent rather than erratic, with the odometer climbing from 92,013 miles in July 2022 to 127,958 miles by January 2026, a gain of roughly 35,945 miles over three and a half years. There are no alarming gaps in the MOT record that would suggest the car sat unused for extended periods, and the annual testing pattern indicates regular use. The high annual mileage does mean that consumable components such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension bushes will have experienced above-average wear compared to a lower-mileage equivalent. A buyer should pay particular attention to the rear braking system during any pre-purchase inspection. The repeated advisories and failures centred on rear brake pads and discs across multiple tests point to a pattern of wear that, while currently resolved, suggests the rear calipers should be checked for binding or sticking, which can accelerate pad and disc deterioration. The TPMS fault flagged in January 2026 also warrants verification that the system is fully operational and that no sensor faults persist. Given the mileage, a thorough inspection of suspension bushes, coil springs, and drop links is advisable, as these components deteriorate faster under sustained high-mileage use. A brief underbody check for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and the exhaust system, would round out a sensible inspection before purchase.