2016 Vauxhall Astra 1.0L Petrol · FP66 OEU

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 8 April 2026, although a single advisory was issued concerning the front brakes being imbalanced with requirements only just met, suggesting the system requires adjustment or repair to restore full braking efficiency. Looking at the broader test history, the maintenance trend is broadly stable rather than deteriorating, with consistent pass outcomes across the recorded tests and no repeat advisories on the same component year on year, aside from the recurring nearside front tyre edge wear noted in both 2022 and 2024. The one failure recorded in October 2020 was a dangerous defect concerning rear brake pad thickness, which was clearly remedied before the subsequent pass the following day, and the windscreen wiper minor defects recorded alongside it appear to have been attended to and have not recurred. The 2024 windscreen damage is recorded as minor and not affecting the driver's view, so it remains a cosmetic and legal observation rather than a structural or safety concern. With 87,144 miles recorded on a 2016 vehicle, the Astra is showing roughly 8,700 miles per annum on average, which is broadly typical for a car of its age and is unlikely to indicate either excessive motorway use or prolonged standing. There are no unusual gaps in the MOT record that would suggest extended periods off-road, and the relatively even annual progression of tests implies regular use, which is generally beneficial for keeping drivetrain seals, brakes, and exhaust components in working order. From a mechanical standpoint, this mileage places the vehicle in its prime consumable-replacement phase, where clutches, timing chains, and dual-mass flywheels on higher-mileage petrol or diesel units begin to demand attention, although the Vauxhall Astra in its common 1.4 turbo or 1.6 CDTi forms is generally robust at this level. Given the advisory on the front brake imbalance and the historic dangerous rear brake pad finding, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the braking system on a test drive. On inspection, check the front brake disc surfaces for lipping, hot spots, or scoring, and verify that the discs have sufficient remaining thickness, as the advisory suggests the caliper slide pins or handbrake mechanism may need attention. During the road test, listen for any squeal, grinding, or grinding-on-shudder under light or heavy braking, and feel for pulling to one side, a soft or spongy pedal, or vibration through the steering wheel, all of which could indicate warped discs, binding calipers, or uneven pad wear. Also confirm that the rear calipers are not seized, particularly given the historic dangerous pad reading, as seized rear calipers are a common cause of uneven braking and accelerated pad wear on Astras of this generation. Beyond the brakes, the recurring nearside front tyre edge wear advisory warrants a close inspection of the front suspension geometry and component condition. At test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps or on full lock, and check for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear across all four tyres, which could point to worn wishbone bushes, drop links, or tracking misalignment. Tyre age should also be verified regardless of tread depth, as ten-year-old tyres are prone to sidewall perishing and cracking even when unused, and the 2022 advisory on perished offside rear rubber highlights this exact risk. Finally, given the vehicle's age, confirm the 12V battery holds charge under load, inspect the coolant and brake fluid for time-based degradation, and ensure the service history demonstrates regular oil and filter changes, as calendar-based servicing is just as important as mileage-based intervals for a ten-year-old Astra.