2013 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · NG63 ONT

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the recent MOT history indicates a concerning trend regarding braking system maintenance. While the Astra passed its September 2025 test at 68,890 miles, it had failed just one mile prior due to multiple significant braking defects. The failure revealed an excessively binding offside front brake caliper, worn front discs, and offside rear pads below the legal thickness limit. Furthermore, the poor parking brake efficiency and imbalanced rear brakes suggest that the braking assembly has been neglected or poorly adjusted despite the recent repairs. At 13 years old, the recorded mileage of 68,890 miles represents an average of approximately 5,300 miles per year. This low-usage profile is consistent with the mechanical issues observed, such as perishing of rubber components and corrosion. Between September 2024 (65,498 miles) and September 2025 (68,889 miles), the vehicle covered only 3,391 miles. Such low annual mileage often leads to brake components seizing and discs pitting from condensation-related corrosion rather than mechanical wear. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking system to ensure the recent repairs addressed the underlying faults. Specific attention should be paid to the offside front caliper for signs of continued binding and the artwork brake mechanism, which previously failed requirements. The 2023 record noted a corroded exhaust system and a leak at the flexi-section; these should be inspected for structural integrity to ensure the corrosion has not progressed beyond surface level. Additionally, the nearside front tyre was flagged for cracking and perishing in the latest test, confirming that age-related rubber degradation is present despite low tread depth.