2008 Vauxhall Astra 1.8L Petrol · LO08 TPV

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of reactive rather than preventative care. While the most recent test in January 2026 at 99,778 miles passed, it highlighted several new defects including a severely deteriorated offside front anti-roll bar linkage and thinning rear brake pads. This follows a significant failure in December 2024 where the car was flagged for a major exhaust leak and illegal tyre tread depths, suggesting that the owner often only addresses mechanical faults when forced to by an MOT tester. At 18 years old, the recorded mileage of 99,778 miles represents a low average of approximately 5,500 miles per year. This low usage often leads to age-related material degradation rather than mechanical wear from distance. The record shows a consistent history of non-excessive oil leaks from 2022 through 2024, with a new coolant leak appearing in the 2026 test. The presence of perished tyres in 2024 further indicates the vehicle may have sat for long periods, causing the rubber components to dry and crack despite the low mileage. A buyer must personally inspect the engine bay for the source of the persistent oil and coolant leaks, as these can escalate into head gasket issues if ignored. The suspension requires a close look; the anti-roll bar linkage dust covers were flagged in both 2024 and 2026, indicating a history of deteriorating rubber bushings. Given the previous report of pitted front discs in 2023 and thin rear pads in 2026, the entire braking system should be evaluated for uneven wear or seized calipers to ensure safety.