2016 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Diesel · FN16 YYW

The most recent DVSA examination on 27 November 2025 recorded a PASS, immediately following a same-day FAIL with no defects listed against either entry. The absence of advisory or failure items in the official record suggests that the earlier failure was almost certainly an administrative or retest situation rather than a mechanical concern, and the clean pass indicates the vehicle was presented in a roadworthy condition at that point. Looking at the broader history, the car has passed its annual tests on 21 March 2023, 9 March 2024, and again on 27 November 2025, with no recorded advisories or defect notices at any stage. This is a consistently stable maintenance profile, free from recurring wear items such as corroded brake lines, weakened suspension components, or excessive exhaust emissions that frequently appear on high-mileage vehicles of this age. With 121,190 miles accumulated over approximately ten years, the vehicle is doing around 12,000 miles annually, which is broadly average to high for a 2016 Astra and indicates regular service intervals rather than long periods of standing. Such consistent usage is generally favourable from a mechanical standpoint, as it tends to keep oil circulated, the battery charged, brake components free from surface corrosion, and seals and flexible hoses from drying out. The mileage progression between tests suggests the car has been used as a daily driver or commuter, which is the operating environment for which this model is engineered. There are no significant gaps in usage that would raise immediate concerns about standing degradation, seized calipers, or perished rubbers from inactivity. Despite the clean MOT record, a prospective buyer should still conduct a thorough physical inspection given the vehicle's age and accumulated mileage. The tyres warrant close scrutiny for age-related perishing and cracking on the sidewalls, even if the tread depth remains within legal limits, as a ten-year-old casing can suffer structural failure regardless of wear. The 12V battery should be tested for cranking performance, particularly as colder months approach, and the charge state checked, since intensive short-trip urban use at this mileage can shorten battery life. Brake discs and pads should be inspected on a test drive for any signs of shudder under braking, pulling to one side, or grinding noises, as the 121,000-mile accumulation will have worn these components considerably and a replacement may be imminent. On the road, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps or uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn control arm bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, or top mount deterioration typical of Astra K-platform cars at this mileage. The clutch should be assessed for slipping under load or any juddering when pulling away in first gear. Inspect the engine bay and undertray for any signs of oil seepage from the valve cover gasket or oil filter housing, and check the coolant reservoir for level and colour, as prolonged use may have led to concentration changes or air ingress. Finally, verify the service book history and ensure that timing belt or chain intervals, brake fluid renewal, and coolant replacement have been carried out within their calendar-based schedules, since these time-sensitive items are not flagged by the MOT test but are essential for the long-term mechanical integrity of the vehicle.