2016 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Diesel · ND16 ADU

The 2016 Vauxhall Astra is presently roadworthy, as the March 2026 MOT at 70,599 miles recorded a pass with only two minor defects: slight play in the steering column top bearing (2.2.2 (b)) and near‑side front inner joint play in the steering rack (2.2.2 (b)). The maintenance trend is stable, having moved from a failure in April 2025—where tyre separation, brake disc pitting and service brake efficiency shortfalls were noted—to a clean pass in March 2026, indicating that previous issues were rectified and no new major faults have emerged. Mileage accumulation aligns with the vehicle’s ten‑year age, averaging about 7,000 miles per year, but the record shows a notable acceleration between 2022 and 2023, when mileage rose from 43,362 to 53,488 miles (10,126 miles in one year). Earlier intervals were more modest, with increments of 2,000‑3,000 miles annually, suggesting the recent increase reflects heightened usage rather than neglect. A buyer should prioritize inspection of the steering system, specifically the column top bearing and rack inner joint for continued play, and verify that the steering rack boots are intact. Tyre condition warrants close scrutiny, given repeated reports of edge wear, near‑legal tread depth and a documented separation on the off‑side rear tyre in 2025; replacement history and current tread depth must be confirmed. Brake components should be examined for disc pitting, scoring and wear beyond the 1.1.14 (a) (ii) limits noted in 2024‑2025, and the service brake efficiency test result from April 2025 should be cross‑checked with a functional brake test. Finally, the chassis, suspension bushes, coil springs and exhaust system merit a visual and tactile assessment for corrosion, binding calipers or worn suspension components, as these areas have not been flagged but can develop silently; overall, the vehicle’s record reflects consistent maintenance after the 2025 corrective actions, making it a viable purchase provided the highlighted items are verified in person.