2007 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · PJ57 HSA

The 2007 Vauxhall Astra passed its most recent MOT on 13 February 2025 at 119 893 miles, but the test a few days earlier at the same mileage had failed. The failures were confined to brake‑related items – worn front and rear discs, an excessively corroded front brake pipe and a parking‑brake efficiency below 50 %. The fact that the vehicle now meets the test criteria suggests the trend is stable rather than worsening, yet the recurrence of brake‑system faults indicates that maintenance of that subsystem is a continuing concern. The mileage figures show a fairly typical usage pattern for a car of this age. From 114 205 miles in February 2023 to 119 893 miles in February 2025 the vehicle accumulated 5 688 miles, averaging around 2 544 miles per year – well below the earlier average of approximately 6 310 miles per year over its 19‑year life. No large gaps or sudden spikes in mileage are evident, and the vehicle has been tested regularly at roughly annual intervals, giving a clear record of its wear. A prospective buyer should focus on the components that have repeatedly failed or shown wear. Inspect the front and rear brake discs for scoring and verify that the brake pipes are free of corrosion. Test the parking brake system to confirm it can hold the vehicle at 50 % of the required efficiency. Check the rear coil spring, which fractured in October 2020, and examine the anti‑roll bar ball joint that was excessively worn in March 2019. The axle swivel pins and bushes, noted as slightly worn in October 2021, should be inspected for play and rust. Tyre tread depth should be measured, particularly the near‑side front tyre that was close to the legal limit in 2021. Finally, verify the integrity of the exhaust system, as minor leaks were recorded in both 2020 and 2021, and look for any structural rust that might compromise chassis integrity. Overall, the vehicle remains roadworthy under current regulations, but its history of brake‑system issues, suspension component wear, and minor exhaust leaks means that a thorough inspection of those areas is essential before purchase.