2012 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · MJ12 LKC

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a trend of reactive rather than proactive upkeep. While the most recent test in April 2024 at 122,556 miles resulted in a pass, it followed a failure just one day prior. This failure revealed multiple critical safety defects, including a fractured nearside rear coil spring, inoperative stop lamps, and misaligned headlamps. The immediate rectification of these faults suggests that the owner only addresses mechanical issues when they are necessary to pass a legal inspection. At 122,556 miles over 14 years, the Astra has averaged approximately 8,754 miles per year, which aligns with typical national averages for a vehicle of this age. The data shows consistent usage, with roughly 11,000 miles covered between the April 2023 and April 2024 tests. This steady mileage suggests the car has not sat for long periods, which is generally positive for seals and gaskets, but it also places consistent wear on rubber-based suspension components and braking hardware as seen in the record. A buyer must conduct a close inspection of the suspension system, given the history of a broken coil spring recorded in 2024. The previous advisory regarding a distorted front wheel in 2023 also indicates the vehicle may have suffered kerb impacts, which can affect wheel alignment and wheel bearings. The 2021 test noted pitted and scored rear brake discs alongside a minor oil leak; therefore, the current state of the rotors and pads should be verified. Furthermore, the minor leak in the exhaust flexi identified during the 2024 test should be monitored, as these components often deteriorate rapidly into significant failures if not replaced.