2007 Vauxhall Astra 1.4L Petrol · KC07 VXP

Headlamp alignment dominates the recent MOT picture, with major failures recorded for both nearside and offside headlamp aim on 21 August 2026, alongside a lingering lens defect noted on the off‑side unit. Earlier in the same year the vehicle also suffered a major failure for an off‑side rear coil spring fracture, and the previous year a major off‑side front coil spring fracture was logged. Apart from these issues the car has otherwise passed its tests, but the pattern shows recurring problems with suspension components and lighting geometry rather than a clean bill of health. At 85 211 miles the Astra averages roughly 4 500 miles per year over its 19‑year life, a figure well below the typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The low annual mileage suggests periods of limited use, which can be hard on ageing rubber and metal parts – for example, tyre cracking and coil‑spring fatigue often develop when a car sits idle for extended spells. The MOT record does not reveal any long gaps between tests, indicating the vehicle has been regularly presented for inspection, but the modest mileage does not eliminate the wear that can accrue on suspension bushings, springs and brake discs over two decades. When you inspect the car, pay particular attention to the suspension. The recorded coil‑spring fractures on both front and rear sides point to possible fatigue; on a drive you should listen for metallic knocks or thuds when passing over bumps, feel for a sagging rear corner or uneven ride height, and check that the vehicle does not lean excessively under load. The advisory on front‑rack inner joint wear should manifest as a vague looseness or wandering feel in the steering, especially when turning at low speed; a quick test of the steering wheel for play before moving can highlight this issue. The brake and tyre advisories also merit close scrutiny. Front discs were flagged as worn and pitted, so during a test drive monitor for any pulsation through the pedal, squealing or reduced bite when braking, and verify that disc thickness is within safe limits. Both rear tyres were noted as slightly damaged or cracking; inspect the sidewalls for visible cracks, bulges or uneven wear, and feel for vibration at higher speeds that could indicate tyre deterioration. Finally, the headlamp aim failures mean the illumination pattern will be off‑centre; a simple visual check of the low‑beam spread on a wall should confirm whether the beams are correctly aligned and whether the lenses are still clear. Addressing these specific items before purchase will give a clearer picture of the car’s roadworthiness.