2002 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · KE02 AHC

Fuel economy for the 1.6-litre petrol engine is typical for a hatchback of this era, making it relatively straightforward to run for daily local use. Insurance group ratings for this generation of Astra are generally moderate, keeping policy costs accessible for most drivers.

Maintenance and repair costs should factor in the likelihood of replacing consumable items like tyres, coil springs, and exhaust sections based on the recorded test history. Expect total annual running costs to range between £900 and £1,200, encompassing fuel, vehicle tax, insurance, and routine servicing.

Inspect the rear coil springs closely for signs of heavy corrosion, a recurring advisory noted in both 2024 and 2025 MOT tests. Check the central rear section of the exhaust system for the minor gas leak noted during the August 2026 test. Furthermore, examine the front suspension components, including shock absorbers and top mounts, referencing the offside front bush wear noted in the 2025 failure.

Inspect the sidewalls of all tyres for cracking or perishing, as nearside rear tyre degradation was flagged previously. General inspection should also cover electrical items such as the headlamps and instrument warning lights, which are common failure areas across the wider model dataset.