2012 Vauxhall Astra 1.4L Petrol · PE12 ABX

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of reactive repairs rather than preventative care. While the most recent test in May 2026 at 104,200 miles passed, it followed a failure just four days prior due to worn offside rear brake pads and a binding caliper. The persistent presence of a front oil leak since at least 2021 suggests a chronic engine seal issue that the owner has only addressed when it reached the threshold of excessive leakage. At 104,200 miles, this 14-year-old Astra has averaged approximately 7,400 miles per year, which is consistent with typical UK usage. However, there is a significant gap in recorded mileage between May 2019 and April 2021, where the car covered only 23,000 miles. Since 2021, the usage has accelerated considerably, covering over 34,000 miles in five years. This increased activity correlates with a much higher frequency of mechanical failures, particularly regarding the exhaust system and braking components, which appeared across multiple tests. A buyer must personally inspect the engine bay to determine the severity of the front oil leak, as it has fluctuated between non-excessive and excessive over the last five years. The offside rear brake is a recurring point of failure, with binding issues noted in 2025 and a total pad failure in early 2026, indicating a sticking caliper or worn slider that requires attention. Additionally, the exhaust system has shown a history of corrosion and major leaks in 2021, 2024, and 2025, suggesting the entire rear section pipework may be nearing the end of its functional life.