2014 Vauxhall Astra 1.4L Petrol · ML64 OWB

The 2014 Vauxhall Astra presents a mixed maintenance picture, with the most recent MOT record showing a clear deterioration in suspension integrity. In the November 2025 test at 63,134 miles, the tester flagged a fractured nearside rear coil spring and a shock absorber with negligible damping effect, alongside an offside rear tyre worn below the 1.6mm legal minimum. These are not minor consumable items. A broken coil spring is a serious structural failure that compromises ride height, handling, and load distribution, while a worn-through shock absorber indicates the damping unit has been degraded for some time. The car passed a retest on the same day at the same mileage, suggesting the defects were rectified, but the nature of the failures points to a period of neglected suspension upkeep prior to that date. The mileage profile is notably low for a twelve-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 5,261 miles per year. Between the October 2023 test at 55,627 miles and the November 2024 test at 59,432 miles, the car covered approximately 3,805 miles in just over twelve months. The mileage then appears to have plateaued entirely, with the November 2025 test recording 63,134 miles and no subsequent readings beyond that date as of June 2026. This pattern suggests either very light recent use or a period of prolonged standing, both of which carry their own risks. Extended sitting can cause brake disc corrosion, tyre flat-spotting, and seized components, while the low annual mileage may have masked gradual deterioration that only surfaces under load or at speed. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the rear suspension in particular. The fractured coil spring and failed shock absorber in 2025, combined with the nearside rear tyre structural failure recorded in November 2024, suggest the rear axle has endured repeated stress and deferred maintenance. Inspect both rear coil springs for cracks or sag, check all four shock absorbers for oil misting or bounce-test performance, and examine the rear tyres for uneven wear or sidewall damage. The front tyre advisory from October 2023 at 55,627 miles indicates alignment or tracking issues may have been developing, so verify the condition of the front tyres and check for any play in track rod ends and suspension bushes. Given the apparent mileage plateau since late 2025, also inspect the brake discs and calipers for corrosion from standing, and confirm the handbrake operates freely without binding.