2004 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · HS04 FRD

This Vauxhall Astra has maintained a consistent MOT pass record over the past two years, with the most recent test on 7 July 2025 at 60,660 miles yielding no defects. The absence of advisories or failures in the last three tests suggests the vehicle has undergone regular, if not rigorous, servicing, though the lack of recorded defects does not preclude underlying issues that may not have been testable under MOT criteria. The 2022 double-entry —a pass at 51,033 miles followed by a failure at 51,032 miles —appears anomalous and may indicate a data entry error rather than a mechanical trend, as no defects were logged in either instance. The recorded mileage of 60,660 miles over 22 years equates to approximately 2,757 miles per year , a figure significantly lower than the average for a vehicle of this age. This suggests either minimal usage, prolonged periods of storage, or potential mileage tampering, though the latter cannot be confirmed without further evidence. The consistent annual mileage increments— 3,273 miles between 2022 and 2023 , 3,273 miles between 2023 and 2024 , and 3,133 miles between 2024 and 2025 —rule out rapid degradation but do not account for wear that might arise from extended periods of inactivity, such as seized suspension components or degraded fluids. Given the lack of MOT-reported faults, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of suspension bushes and coil springs , particularly for perished rubber and corrosion-induced failure points, as these are common in low-mileage but aged vehicles. The braking system warrants scrutiny for binding calipers or warped discs , especially if the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods, as moisture and lack of use can accelerate corrosion. Structural integrity should be assessed for floorpan and subframe rust , particularly around wheel arches and sills, where prolonged neglect can compromise chassis stability. Finally, the exhaust emissions system —while not flagged in MOTs—should be checked for leaks or catalytic converter degradation, as these are often silent failures in older models.