2012 Vauxhall Astra 1.7L Diesel · GL12 NLM

Recurring issues with coil springs and tyre wear define the mechanical profile of this Vauxhall Astra, though the most recent test on 31 July 2026 resulted in a pass with no defects recorded. The vehicle has demonstrated a pattern of component failure in recent years, specifically regarding the suspension system, with broken coil springs identified as a failure point in both 2024 and 2025. While the 2026 result shows the vehicle has cleared these specific faults, the history of fractured springs suggests a need for close inspection of the entire suspension assembly to ensure no other components are nearing the end of their service life. The recorded mileage of 90,238 miles over approximately 14 years represents an average annual usage of roughly 6,446 miles. This level of accumulation is consistent with lower-than-average annual mileage for a vehicle of this age. Mechanically, this suggests that while the drivetrain may have experienced less total wear than a high-mileage equivalent, the vehicle may have been subject to more frequent short journeys or periods of inactivity, which can sometimes correlate with the issues seen in the 2022 advisory regarding a diesel particulate filter (DPF) warning light. Prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the suspension and tyre condition during a physical inspection and test drive. Given the previous failures of the offside rear and nearside rear coil springs, it is essential to listen for any metallic knocking, clunking, or creaking sounds when driving over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, as these are common symptoms of failing suspension components. Additionally, the history of multiple advisories for tyres being worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edges indicates that tyre replacement is a recurring maintenance requirement for this vehicle. During the test drive, observe the vehicle's handling for any signs of pulling to one side or steering instability, which could indicate uneven tyre wear or alignment issues stemming from the previously noted suspension faults. While the 2026 MOT was clean, the previous advisory regarding the DPF light in 2022 warrants a check for any recurring dashboard warnings or changes in engine performance, such as reduced power or increased exhaust soot, which can occur if the vehicle is primarily used for short-distance urban driving.