2019 Vauxhall Astra 1.0L Petrol · LR69 FFB

The most recent MOT, carried out on 11 September 2025, was passed but recorded several advisories – a front oil leak that is not excessive, front tyre tread approaching the legal limit, rear‑side tyre cracking, and a front brake disc showing surface pitting. Over the preceding three years the pattern has moved from clean passes in 2022 and 2023 to an increasingly serious oil leak (described in 2024 as a very heavy leak from the gearbox area) and to brake‑disc wear that escalated to a failure in September 2024. The recurrence of the oil‑leak advisory and the progression from advisory to major brake‑disc defects indicate a deteriorating maintenance trend rather than a stable one. At 116 321 miles the Astra has logged roughly 16 600 miles per annum, which is well above the average for a seven‑year‑old family hatchback. Such a mileage rate suggests sustained, relatively high‑load use and will have accelerated wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes, suspension bushings and engine/gearbox oil. There are no obvious mileage gaps in the MOT record, so the wear is likely cumulative rather than the result of long periods of storage, meaning that components that are age‑related as well as mileage‑related should be inspected. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the source of the oil leak. Inspect the gearbox housing, rear main seal and oil pan for drips on the ground and for oil staining on the under‑tray; verify that the oil level in the sump is correct and that there are no signs of contaminated oil or low level warnings on the dashboard. The front brake disc already shows pitting and the rear discs were flagged as significantly worn in the 2024 failure, so measuring disc thickness and checking for scoring or uneven wear is essential – replacement of one or more discs, and possibly the pads, is likely imminent. The front tyre is close to the legal tread depth and the rear tyre exhibits a cut and nail damage; both should be replaced promptly, and the remaining tyres examined for sidewall cracking or perishing that can occur with age even if tread remains acceptable. The near‑side front shock absorber’s oil mist points to seal wear; a bounce test should be performed to detect any loss of damping, and a visual inspection for oil on the shock body is advisable. Beyond the recorded defects, a thorough pre‑purchase inspection should cover the condition of the suspension bushings and mounts, which can be fatigued at this mileage, and the state of the steering rack for any play or knocking. Check the battery terminals for corrosion and assess the battery’s cranking performance, as a seven‑year‑old unit may be nearing the end of its service life. Verify that the coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed at the recommended intervals – look for service stamps or receipts – because time‑based fluid degradation can cause overheating or corrosion even if mileage is not extreme. Finally, ensure the exhaust system is free of cracks or excessive rust, and confirm that the vehicle’s service history documents regular oil changes and any previous gearbox repairs, which will give a clearer picture of how well the high‑mileage drivetrain has been maintained.