2014 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · GU14 PXT

The vehicle maintains a technically roadworthy status, though the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive rather than proactive care. The most recent test in March 2026 at 90,335 miles passed, yet it noted a persistent engine oil leak that has appeared in every inspection since at least 2024. While the mechanical failures from previous years have to been addressed, the recurring nature of the leak suggests a slow gasket or seal failure that is being monitored rather than fully repaired. At 90,335 miles, the Astra averages approximately 7,500 miles per year, which aligns with typical UK usage for a twelve-year-old car. The mileage data shows consistent use, with roughly 7,000 miles driven between the March 2025 and March 2026 tests. This steady accumulation suggests the vehicle does not sit for long periods, but is instead used regularly enough to avoid the specific issues associated with stationary vehicles, though the age of the vehicle still poses a risk regarding degrading rubber components and age-related corrosion. A buyer should conduct a close inspection of the suspension and wheel assemblies due to the 2024 failure at 76,846 miles involving a fractured nearside rear coil spring. The record highlights significant neglect regarding tyre maintenance, with multiple entries for cuts, sidewall damage, and a mismatched tyre size on the rear axle. These issues indicate previous owners ignored basic consumable safety until testing failure, which can affect handling and uneven tyre wear. The engine bay requires a thorough check to identify the source of the persistent oil leak. While the tester classified it as not excessive, its presence across three consecutive years indicates a known defect that may require a valve cover gasket or oil seal to be addressed to ensure long-term reliability. Given the history of poor tyre-related upkeep, an inspection of the current tread depth and structural integrity is essential to ensure no new immediate hazards has developed.