2002 Vauxhall Astra 1.8L Petrol · FM02 ACO

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, though the maintenance trend shows a shift towards recurring safety-related defects. While the most recent test in November 2025 at 120,379 miles passed, it introduced advis for a frayed offside front seat belt and a perished nearside front tyre. These issues follow a failure in November 2024 regarding a fractured offside rear coil spring, indicating that the vehicle is beginning to suffer from age-related material fatigue despite its low mileage. At 24 years old, the recorded mileage of 120,379 represents an average of approximately 5,016 miles per year. This low usage profile often leads to degradation of rubber-based components rather than mechanical wear from distance. The data shows consistent annual use, with roughly 2,800 miles driven between the October 2023 and November 2024 tests, and another 1,374 miles prior to the 2025 inspection. This regularity suggests the car is not sitting for long periods, though the age increases the stress placed on the chassis. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension system, as the previous coil spring failure suggests other components may be reaching the end of their lifespan. The recurring fault with the offside front seat belt across both 2024 and 2025 requires immediate replacement as it remains a safety concern. Additionally, the exhaust leak noted in November 2022 should be checked to ensure corrosion has not progressed beyond a simple joint leak. Given the vehicle's age, a close look for structural rust on the sills and floor pans is essential to confirm the long-term integrity of the Astra.