2005 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · OV55 AEF

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, having passed the September 2025 test at 73,135 miles, albeit with two advisories: play in the steering rack inner joint(s) and a rear brake disc showing wear, pitting or scoring without serious weakening. The maintenance trend shows improvement; after a series of failures in 2023‑2024 the most recent test records no failures, indicating the identified issues have been addressed or stabilised. The mileage of 73,135 miles over roughly 21 years equates to about 3,500 miles per annum, a low figure that suggests limited daily use or extended periods of storage. MOT entries from 2023‑2025 reveal incremental increases of roughly 1,600 miles each year, demonstrating a steady, low‑rate accumulation rather than the higher annual wear typical of older fleet vehicles. The test frequency remains annual, providing a consistent data set without significant gaps. A prospective buyer should inspect the steering system for excessive play at the rack inner joint, check the rear shock absorbers for oil misting or fluid leaks, and examine the rear brake disc condition for pitting or scoring. Brake pads should be measured for thickness, and the rear axle swivel pins and bushes inspected for wear. The exhaust should be examined for leaks, and the parking brake operation verified, as these components have appeared repeatedly in the history. Finally, a visual check for corrosion on the chassis and underbody is advisable given the vehicle’s age.