2011 Vauxhall Astra 2.0L Diesel · LO61 AAE

The 2.0-litre CDTi diesel should return around 50-55 mpg on a steady run, though real-world figures in mixed driving tend to be closer to 40-45 mpg. Road tax for this 1956cc diesel falls into a higher band, potentially £200-£300 annually depending on current rates and any surcharge for older diesels. Insurance sits in a moderate group for the Astra range, and typical maintenance for the CDTi includes timing belt changes (every 5 years or 60,000 miles), DPF attention if used mainly for short trips, and clutch wear given the mileage.

The two MOT failures in May 2024 and May 2025 are unusual in that no defects were recorded on the failure notices — this could indicate administrative issues, retests not properly logged, or test centre errors rather than mechanical concerns. Inspect the timing belt service record carefully, as replacement is critical on these diesel engines and failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Check the DPF (diesel particulate filter) for warning lights or reduced performance, especially given the urban mileage pattern suggested by the test dates clustering in May. Examine the clutch for slipping, as high-mileage Astras commonly suffer from this, and inspect the rear suspension bushes which are a known weak point on this generation.