2004 Vauxhall Astra 1.8L Petrol · FP54 AHA

The 2022‑03‑14 MOT passed the Vauxhall Astra at 128,386 miles, yet the record shows a maintenance trend that is neither stable nor improving. Repeated failures on the steering rack, suspension bushes, and rear brake pads, together with persistent oil and exhaust leaks, indicate that previous owners have allowed wear to accumulate rather than address underlying faults. The vehicle’s age of 22 years paired with 128,386 miles translates to an average annual mileage of about 5,800 miles, which is low for its age and suggests periods of limited use or long idle intervals. Mileage has risen steadily from 56,112 miles in 2012 to 128,386 miles in 2022, with MOTs recorded roughly every year, showing no large gaps in the documentation. A buyer should therefore inspect the suspension system, including lower ball joints, rear swivel pin and bush wear, and the condition of the steering rack for excessive free play, as these items have repeatedly failed. The braking system must be examined for pad thickness, disc scoring or weakening, and the condition of the rear axle assembly, given the recurring thin‑pad and worn‑bush findings. Finally, the oil leak source and exhaust integrity should be verified, and any signs of structural rust on the rear brake disc or chassis should be confirmed, as earlier tests flagged serious brake‑disc weakness.