2011 Vauxhall Astra 2.0L Diesel · FR61 OUC

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a recent re-test, but the maintenance trend shows signs of decline in attention to detail. While it passed the inspection on 27 January 2026 at 123,396 miles, it failed just one day prior due to multiple defects including a fractured nearside rear coil spring, a mismatched tyre on the offside rear, and a failed lamp. The presence of a broken spring and incorrect axle tyre setup indicates that safety-critical components are not being proactively maintained until flagged by the MOT testing centre. At 123,396 miles, the Astra has averaged approximately 8,200 miles per year over its 15-year lifespan, which is consistent with typical domestic usage. The mileage accumulation appears steady, with roughly 4,500 miles driven between the January 2024 and 2025 tests, and another 4,400 enough between January 2025 and early 2026. While the low annual mileage suggests lighter use, the age of the vehicle means that rubber components and metalwork are subject to degradation irrespective of distance traveled. A buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension and braking systems, as the history reveals recurring issues. The 2026 failure highlighted corrosion on the offside rear coil spring, which implies the remaining rear springs should be checked for similar structural rust or stress fractures. Furthermore, the 2023 record noted pitted rear brake discs and fluctuating brakes, suggesting the braking system may be nearing the end of its effective service life. The minor exhaust leak reported in early 2023 should also be verified to ensure it has not worsened into a more significant failure.