2009 Vauxhall Astra 1.7L Diesel · GP09 MHV

The vehicle shows a worsening maintenance trend characterized by recurring mechanical failures and a pattern of neglecting consumable components. While the most recent test on 3 October 2025 at 154,649 miles resulted in a pass, the vehicle previously failed that same test due to several significant issues including a loose nearside front seat belt anchorage, insufficient washer fluid, and corrosion on both rear coil springs. The transition from a failure to a pass suggests that while critical safety items like the seat belt were addressed, the tester downgraded several mechanical defects to advisories rather than outright failures. The mileage accumulation appears consistent with the vehicle's age, averaging approximately 9,000 miles per year. The record shows a steady progression from 114,750 miles in March 2018 to 154,649 miles in October 2025. There are no significant gaps in usage, though the frequency of MOT failures suggests that maintenance is often reactive rather than proactive. The owner tends to address immediate failure points to secure a pass but frequently leaves wear-related issues, such as pitted brake discs and worn suspension bushes, to persist as advisories. A prospective buyer should conduct a thorough inspection of the braking system and suspension geometry. The records indicate a chronic issue with brake component degradation, with pitted discs and thinning pads appearing in the 2024 and 2025 tests. The suspension requires close scrutiny, as the history shows a recurring pattern of worn front suspension arm bushes, corroded rear coil springs, and previous shock absorber leaks. The presence of multiple advisories regarding suspension and braking components suggests that significant upcoming expenditure on these systems is likely. Specific attention must also be paid to the chassis and underside for signs of progressive corrosion. The 2025 advisory regarding corroded rear coil springs, following a history of shock absorber issues dating back to 2018, points to an aging underbody. Furthermore, the recurring mention of worn tyres and suspension bushings indicates that the vehicle's handling and structural integrity may be compromised. Any inspection should verify that the repairs made following the October 2025 failure were comprehensive and not merely superficial fixes to meet minimum standards.