2007 Vauxhall Astra 1.8L Petrol · FN57 URA

A pattern of deteriorating roadworthiness is evident in the later records, moving from clean passes in 2017 and 2018 to multiple failures involving critical safety components. The most recent recorded test on 8 November 2021 resulted in a failure due to an inoperative offside rear parking brake, a non-functional dipped beam, and a passenger door that could not be opened from the outside. This follows a dangerous failure in 2020 for a tyre with exposed ply and cords, indicating a trend of failures regarding essential safety items. The recorded mileage of 126,846 miles is typical for a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 6,676 miles per year. However, the absence of any MOT data between November 2021 and September 2026 indicates the vehicle has likely been stationary for nearly five years. Such a prolonged period of inactivity often leads to the degradation of rubber components, the seizing of brake calipers, and the potential for fluid contamination or seal failure within the engine and drivetrain. Inspection should focus heavily on the rear suspension and braking system. Rear suspension arm pins and bushes were flagged as worn in 2020, which may manifest as instability during cornering or audible knocks when driving over uneven surfaces. Given the 2021 failure of the offside rear parking brake, the handbrake should be tested for sufficient holding power on an incline, and the rear brake discs should be checked for binding or heavy corrosion resulting from the long period of standing. Further attention is required for the engine and exhaust system. An oil leak and an insecure heat shield were noted in 2016; a physical inspection of the engine bay and underbody is necessary to determine if these issues persisted or worsened. Listen for excessive noise or blowing sounds from the exhaust, as a leak was previously recorded in 2019. Finally, ensure all exterior lighting and the windscreen washer system are fully operational, as these were recurring points of failure in the final recorded tests.