2016 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Diesel · FN16 CSU

The defining mechanical theme of this 2016 Vauxhall Astra is a noticeable deterioration in structural and brake-related condition over the last twelve months, moving from a clean and stable roadworthiness record into territory where advisories are starting to accumulate and a failure has now occurred. The 2025-12-05 test produced a nearside rear reversing lamp detachment recorded as a Major defect, which was enough to fail the vehicle, although a subsequent test on the same day returned a Pass once the issue was presumably addressed. That pass still carried forward two advisories relating to a nearside rear tyre cut and an offside rear brake binding. Looking back over the full record, the 2022 and 2023 tests were both completely clean, but the 2024-12-10 pass introduced five advisories in a single visit, and the 2025-12-05 failures and advisories suggest a downward trend rather than an isolated incident. The earlier 2021-12-03 PRS failure for a tyre pressure monitoring system malfunction is a relatively minor electronic issue, but it adds to a picture of multiple areas requiring attention. Mileage on this 10-year-old Astra stands at 83,641 miles, equating to roughly 8,364 miles per year since first registration. This is a broadly average annual accumulation, meaning the vehicle has been used regularly rather than left standing for long periods or subjected to high motorway mileage. The continuous annual testing history from 2020 through 2025, with no gaps, supports a pattern of consistent use and regular exposure to MOT inspection. A usage rate at this level is not in itself a red flag for premature wear of major mechanical components, although it does mean that consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres and suspension items are now entering the stage of their service life where replacement is to be expected. Given the front subframe corrosion advisory recorded at the 2024 test, particular attention should be paid to the underside of the vehicle during inspection. Lift the car if possible and look for any progression of corrosion on the front subframe, the front suspension arms also flagged at the same test, and surrounding mounting points. Corrosion noted as not seriously weakened at the time of test can advance between MOTs, particularly in areas where road salt and winter moisture collect, so a torch-led check of the front chassis legs, anti-roll bar drop links and any brake pipe runs along the subframe is worthwhile. On the test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would suggest the corroded arms have deteriorated further, and pay attention to any vagueness in steering response or unusual tyre wear across the front axle consistent with geometry being affected by weakened components. The brake-related advisories from both 2024 and 2025 require direct verification before purchase. The 2024 test flagged worn, pitted or scored front brake discs, while the 2025 test noted front brake pads wearing thin and an offside rear service brake binding slightly. On a road test, the binding rear brake should reveal itself as a pulling sensation to one side under firm braking, accompanied by a hot wheel or a faint burning smell shortly after driving, and a check of the rear wheel for excessive heat compared to its opposite pair will confirm this. The front brake pedal should feel firm and progressive without excessive judder, as significant disc scoring often transmits through the pedal under hard stopping. The nearside rear reversing lamp detachment failure should be visually confirmed as properly secured, and the tyre pressure monitoring system should be checked for correct function across all four wheels, as a recurring electronic fault here is uncommon. Finally, confirm the condition of the nearside rear tyre referenced in the 2025 advisory and inspect all four tyres for uneven shoulder wear, which was also flagged on the fronts in 2024.