2016 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Diesel · PC16 AJC

The most recent DVSA test on 31 March 2026 returned a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, and this is corroborated by the immediately prior test on 19 April 2025 which also passed without comment. Working backwards through the history, the 2024 test contained an advisory on rear brake pad wear, and the same date saw a fail solely for a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system, which was evidently rectified in time for the subsequent pass. Overall, the trend is one of stable and improving maintenance. The vehicle has emerged from its last two MOTs with a completely clean sheet, suggesting that the rear brake pads flagged in 2024 have been replaced and that the TPMS fault was a minor electronic rectification rather than an indicator of deeper concern. For a ten year old Vauxhall Astra, this trajectory is reassuring and points to a car that has been kept broadly up to standard by its keepers. Recorded mileage stands at 65,095 miles across approximately ten years of life, which equates to an average of around 6,500 miles annually. This is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and indicates a mixture of urban and shorter journeys rather than sustained motorway use. The implication is that the engine and drivetrain have not been excessively worked, but the car is likely to have seen a higher proportion of cold starts and short trips, which can accelerate oil degradation, encourage carbon build-up in the combustion system, and place greater strain on the 12 volt battery through repeated cycling. There is no evidence in the MOT record of any significant gaps or unusual accumulation that would suggest an odometer anomaly or a period of disuse followed by rapid catch-up mileage, so the recorded figure should be regarded as plausible and consistent with normal private use. With the MOT history being essentially clean across the most recent tests, attention should shift to age and calendar related deterioration rather than any recurring mechanical defect. The 2016 Astra will be approaching the point where original consumables begin to suffer time rather than mileage based degradation. Brake discs, even if recently within tolerance, can suffer corrosion and lipping on the friction surface from standing or light use, and the rear caliper mechanisms are known to seize on Astras of this generation, so on a test drive listen for any scraping, grinding, or dragging sensation and verify that the handbrake holds firmly without excessive lever travel. The 2024 advisory on rear pad wear is worth confirming has been addressed; if the pads were renewed, the discs should have been inspected at the same time, and any residual lipping on the disc edges should be felt for during a physical inspection. Beyond the braking system, a prospective buyer should carry out a series of practical age related checks. Tyres should be examined for sidewall perishing and cracking, as ten year old rubber can deteriorate even with adequate tread depth, and a production date code older than five years should prompt replacement regardless of wear. The 12 volt battery is likely due for renewal or close to it, and any hesitancy on start-up or flickering dashboard electrics should be taken as a warning. All fluids, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and if applicable transmission fluid, should be considered suspect on a calendar basis and a full service history with evidence of recent fluid changes will significantly enhance the car's credibility. Finally, inspect the underbody and suspension components for any signs of corrosion, weeping dampers, perished bushes, or failed coil springs, as these are common wear items on a ten year old Astra and would not necessarily be flagged in an MOT but will affect long term roadworthiness and ride quality.