2018 Vauxhall Astra 1.0L Petrol · MM18 KCC

A consistent pattern of headlamp beam aim irregularities across consecutive MOT tests defines the mechanical character of this 2018 Vauxhall Astra. The 2026 test recorded a pass with no defects, but it should be noted that the same date also carries a fail entry against the nearside front headlamp for an aim set too low, indicating the issue was identified and rectified on the same visit. The 2025 test followed an identical pattern, passing cleanly on 27 January while also logging a failure on the same date for the offside front headlamp being aimed too high. While the dual recorded outcomes on identical dates suggest remedial action was taken in both years before the pass was issued, the recurrence across two consecutive test cycles points to either headlamp mounting wear, a faulty levelling mechanism, or an underlying issue with the adjustment hardware that keeps allowing the beams to drift out of the prescribed tolerance window. The 2024 test also recorded a failure, this time a major defect for both front wiper blades failing to clear the windscreen effectively, accompanied by an advisory noting that the rear wiper blade was ripped. The remainder of the recorded history, including the 2022 and 2023 tests, is comparatively clean, with only minor advisories in 2023 relating to child seats obstructing belt inspection and an offside rear reversing lamp not functioning at the time of test. With 65,703 miles recorded over eight years, the Astra has averaged roughly 8,213 miles annually, which sits comfortably within typical usage parameters for a vehicle of its age and class. There are no extended gaps between test entries that would suggest prolonged periods off the road, and the regular annual testing cadence indicates the car has been in continuous use throughout the recorded period. At this accumulated mileage, mechanical wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension bushes is to be expected, particularly on a vehicle that has seen consistent year-round driving rather than garaged low-mileage use. The absence of any mileage-related advisories on braking components, suspension linkages, or corrosion across the five recorded test dates is a neutral observation rather than a positive endorsement, as MOT testing does not assess wear rates or remaining service life on components that pass the minimum legal threshold. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the headlamp assembly and its adjustment mechanism during a physical inspection. The recurrence of beam aim defects across 2025 and 2026 raises the possibility of worn adjustment screws, cracked or loose headlamp mounting brackets, or a faulty automatic levelling sensor if the vehicle is equipped with that feature. It would be worth inspecting both front headlamp units for daylight cracks, moisture ingress inside the lens, and any looseness when gently pressed, as well as checking that the beam pattern on a flat surface against a wall sits within the prescribed cut-off line. The front wiper linkage and motor should also be exercised, as the 2024 major failure for both wiper blades not clearing effectively could point to a worn wiper linkage, weak wiper motor, or simply perished rubbers, but given that the rear wiper was also flagged as ripped, the underlying cause may have been general component age rather than a single mechanical fault. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, paying particular attention to the front subframe mounting points and lower wishbone bushes, which are common wear items on Astras of this generation and would not necessarily generate an MOT advisory until the deterioration becomes pronounced. The steering should feel precise without excess play or pulling to either side, and the brake pedal should be firm without any judder or vibration under braking, which would suggest warped front discs. Verify that both front wipers operate smoothly through their full arc without streaking or chatter, and confirm the operation of the reversing lamp, which was flagged as inoperative at the 2023 test. Finally, a thorough check underneath the vehicle for any surface corrosion, particularly around the rear axle area, wheel arches, and underbody seams, would be prudent given the vehicle's age, even though no corrosion advisories appear in the recorded MOT history.