2013 Vauxhall Astra 2.0L Diesel · MM62 JWC

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2013 Vauxhall Astra was conducted on 31 January 2026 and resulted in a pass with no defects recorded. It is worth noting, however, that an earlier test on the same date also appears in the record as a failure with no defects listed, which strongly suggests a retest scenario where the vehicle was refused a certificate on the first attempt but subsequently passed after a minor rectification was carried out. Aside from this anomaly, the prior three consecutive annual tests in January 2023, January 2024, and January 2025 all returned clean passes with no advisories, indicating that the vehicle has maintained a stable and broadly consistent pattern of roadworthiness over the recent test cycle. The overall maintenance trend therefore appears stable rather than deteriorating, though the duplicate test entry on 31 January 2026 warrants a brief verbal enquiry with the seller to confirm the exact nature of what was addressed between the two inspections. With 122,263 miles recorded over approximately thirteen years of service, this Astra has covered an average of around 9,405 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the typical usage band for a vehicle of its age and class. There are no significant gaps in the recorded mileage across the MOT history that would suggest extended periods of standing, nor are there any indicators of unusually rapid accumulation that might point to high-mileage commercial use. That said, a 122,000-mile odometer reading on a thirteen-year-old family hatchback does place certain mechanical components firmly in their wear-zone territory, so it remains essential to verify that the engine, gearbox, and drivetrain have been serviced in line with manufacturer schedules rather than relying solely on the clean MOT record. Given the absence of any recorded advisories or recurring defects across the MOT history, physical inspection should focus on the age and mileage-related wear items that an MOT would not necessarily flag on the day but which a diligent buyer should examine personally. Tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall cracking, perishing, and uneven tread wear, particularly on the inner edges which can indicate worn suspension bushes or tired coil springs; the front suspension on Astras of this generation is known for premature wear of the lower control arm bushes and anti-roll bar drop links, so a careful test drive over uneven surfaces listening for clonks or knocking is highly advisable. Brake discs should be checked for lipping, corrosion around the outer edges, and any evidence of binding calipers, especially given that vehicles used predominantly for short urban journeys can suffer from uneven brake wear. The 12V battery is approaching the typical end-of-service-life window for its age and should be load-tested, while all fluid levels and condition merit verification, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid (which degrades on a calendar basis regardless of mileage and typically requires replacement every two to three years), and power steering fluid where applicable. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to the behaviour of the clutch, including any slipping under load or juddering on take-off, as well as the smoothness of the manual gearbox or automatic transmission changes. Listen for any whining from the front hubs, which can indicate worn wheel bearings, and observe whether the steering remains straight and free of vibration at speed. Given the age of the vehicle, it is also prudent to inspect the exhaust system for corrosion at the joints and mounting rubbers, check the condition of the cambelt or timing chain service history if not already documented in the service book, and verify that all warning lamps on the instrument cluster illuminate and extinguish correctly. Finally, confirming a complete service history with documented timing belt replacement and regular oil changes will provide far greater confidence in the mechanical integrity of this Astra than the MOT record alone, however clean that record may appear.