2006 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · FV06 RNU

This Vauxhall Astra’s most recent MOT, conducted on 2025-01-07 at 120,536 miles, reflects a stable but concerning pattern: two consecutive tests at the same mileage, both failing without recorded defects. The lack of defects suggests either a technical error in the testing process or that the vehicle narrowly avoided minor failings, yet the repeated retesting indicates unresolved issues. The absence of advisories or major failings in prior tests—including the 2023 and 2024 cycles—implies the vehicle has not undergone significant mechanical overhauls, leaving critical components potentially at their wear limits. The recorded mileage of 120,536 miles over 20 years aligns with typical usage for this age, averaging around 6,000 miles annually. However, the identical mileage at both the 2024 and 2025 tests—despite a full year between them—suggests the vehicle was not driven between those dates. This could indicate prolonged storage, which may accelerate wear on fluids, tyres, and seals. The gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests (roughly 3,500 miles in under a year) contrasts with the stagnant mileage in 2024–2025, raising questions about whether the vehicle was actively maintained during periods of inactivity. Given the lack of recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of suspension components—particularly coil springs, bushes, and shock absorbers—given the vehicle’s age and mileage. The brakes, though not explicitly failed, warrant scrutiny for uneven wear, binding calipers, or corrosion on discs and pads, especially if the vehicle was stored without use. Structural integrity should also be assessed, focusing on wheel arches, subframes, and sills for corrosion, as rust can compromise safety-critical elements over two decades. Finally, fluid levels and condition—brakes, power steering, and engine oil—should be checked, as prolonged inactivity can lead to degradation or contamination.