2014 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · LM64 PFE

The most recent MOT, carried out on 25 November 2025, was passed with a minor windscreen defect and an advisory that the rear brake pads are wearing thin. Over the preceding six years the pattern of advisories has shifted from tyre‑related warnings and front‑brake pad wear in 2022 to the current rear‑brake concern, while the windscreen has required repeated minor notes. No major failures have been recorded since the 2019 TPMS fault, which was rectified, so the overall maintenance trend can be described as generally stable but showing the expected progression of wear on braking and tyre components as the vehicle ages. At 53,699 miles the Astra has averaged roughly 4,500 miles per year, which is well below the typical usage for a twelve‑year‑old family hatchback. Such low annual mileage often indicates periods of limited use or extended storage, both of which can lead to age‑related degradation rather than wear from distance. The modest mileage reduces the cumulative stress on the engine, transmission and suspension, but it also raises the likelihood of tyre perishing, battery electrolyte loss and corrosion developing on components that have been idle for long stretches. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the braking system. The rear pads are now close to the minimum thickness; inspect them for uneven wear, glazing or scoring and verify that the rear discs are not scored or excessively thin. While the front pads were flagged as thin in 2022, they may have been replaced, so confirm their current condition and listen for any squeal, shudder or pedal pulsation during a test‑drive, especially when applying the brakes from moderate speed. The tyre advisories from 2022 and 2024 suggest that the front tyres were near the legal tread limit and the rear tyres showed early cracking; check tread depth on all four wheels, examine sidewalls for dry‑rot, bulges or cracking, and confirm that the TPMS sensors are operational and that each tyre holds the correct pressure. Uneven wear could point to misaligned suspension or worn bushings, so a visual inspection of the front and rear suspension arms, coil springs and rubber bushes for cracks, oil leakage or excessive play is advisable. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, time‑based maintenance items deserve scrutiny. Verify the health of the 12‑volt battery with a load test, as long periods of inactivity can reduce capacity. Inspect engine oil, coolant and brake fluid for colour and level, and consider a fluid change if service stamps are absent for more than 24 months, as fluids deteriorate even without mileage. Look for corrosion on the chassis, wheel arches and exhaust, and check for any signs of rust on suspension mounts or steering rack joints. Finally, request a complete service history to confirm that routine items such as timing belt/chain replacement (if applicable), spark plug changes and filter services have been performed according to the manufacturer’s schedule, which will give confidence that the Astra has been cared for despite its modest use.