2016 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Diesel · LR66 TRZ

The most recent DVSA examination on 17 June 2026 resulted in a pass, with only a single advisory recorded for slight damage to the offside rear tyre inner sidewall. This is a continuation of a broadly improving trend; the only outright failure in the recorded history occurred at the September 2023 test, where nearside front steering and suspension wear items were identified, and these have not reappeared in subsequent advisories. The 2025 entry is largely administrative in nature, recording prior advisories alongside an immediate re-test pass once the CV joint boot was rectified. While the absence of major defects since 2023 is reassuring, the persistent appearance of tyre-related advisories across multiple consecutive tests suggests that tyre condition is the primary area requiring ongoing attention rather than the vehicle's core mechanical integrity. With 148,025 miles recorded over a ten-year life, this Astra is averaging approximately 14,800 miles per year, which is notably high for a family hatchback of its class and well in excess of the UK average. The MOT entries do not reveal any extended gaps in use, indicating consistent running rather than periods of standing. High annual mileage of this nature accelerates wear on consumables and drivetrain components including clutches, dual mass flywheels, brake discs, pads, suspension bushes, coil springs, and exhaust mounting rubbers. Conversely, the lack of significant gaps means that issues commonly associated with standing vehicles such as binding brake calipers from seized pistons, severe underfloor corrosion, or 12 volt battery degradation from infrequent use are less likely to be prominent concerns on this particular example. The recurring advisories for tyres worn close to the legal limit, particularly across the front axle in the 2022, 2023, and 2024 tests, indicate either an aggressive alignment geometry, an underlying suspension compliance concern, or simply a pattern of running tyres to their wear limit before replacement. A prospective buyer should examine the current set of tyres for even or uneven shoulder wear, as inner or outer edge wear can point to worn suspension bushes, top mount failure, or tracking misalignment. The May 2025 advisory regarding rear brake disc corrosion, while classified as minor at the time, should be monitored; surface corrosion on the rear discs is typical but if left to develop it can lead to judder under braking, excessive pad material transfer, and ultimately require disc replacement rather than skimming. On a test drive, listen for any rubbing or grinding from the rear axle and apply the brakes firmly at low speed to feel for pulsation through the pedal. Given the high mileage and the presence of steering component advisories in 2022 and 2023, particular attention should be paid to the front suspension and steering assembly during a physical inspection. The inner CV joint boot was repaired in 2025, and any subsequent grease contamination around the inner or outer joint or splits in the rubber should be checked carefully, as these boots deteriorate quickly once compromised. The front suspension should be examined for play in the anti-roll bar drop links, tie rod ends, and wishbone bushes by rocking the wheel with the vehicle raised. On the road, listen for clonking over speed humps, uneven tyre wear suggesting geometry drift, or vague on-centre steering response. Finally, although not flagged on the MOT record, verify the timing belt or chain service history as appropriate to the engine variant, confirm the brake fluid and coolant have been changed within their recommended calendar intervals regardless of mileage, and ensure the service book demonstrates regular oil and filter changes consistent with the high annual mileage recorded.