2013 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · LR13 MXW

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a successful test on February 3 2026 at 64,643 miles. While the most recent result shows no defects, the maintenance trend indicates significant instability over the last six months. The car failed consecutive tests in January and early February 2026 with only a few miles recorded between the failures, before finally passing. This cluster of recent failures suggests a specific mechanical or emissions issue was only recently addressed to meet legal standards, rather than reflecting a history of consistent preventative maintenance. The mileage profile is notably low for a thirteen-year-old Vauxhall, averaging approximately 5,000 miles per annum. There is a distinct gap in usage data between February 2024 at 46,838 miles and December 2024 at 53,072 miles, where the vehicle sat stationary for nearly ten months. However, the rapid accumulation of 1,400 miles between January and February 2026 indicates a recent period of intensive use. Such low-mileage high-age vehicles often suffer from accelerated degradation of rubber-based components and fluid seals, which may explain the sudden MOT failures. A buyer must investigate the specific causes of the two 2026 failures, as the record does not detail the defects that prevented a pass. Given the age of the Astra and the low mileage, physical inspection should focus on corrosion on the structural chassis and brake lines, which often seize when vehicles are parked for long periods. Check the brake discs for surface pitting or seized calipers and inspect the suspension bushes for perished rubber. The recent frequent testing activity also suggests the owner may have been struggling to resolve an intermittent fault in the exhaust system or engine management that requires professional diagnostic attention.