2009 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · PJ59 LCY

A pattern of incremental wear in the braking system and rear suspension dominates this Astra’s MOT history, highlighted by a single major failure in 2021 when the nearside rear coil spring fractured, followed by a succession of advisories on brake‑line ferrules, brake disc condition and rear axle swivel‑pin wear. The most recent test in August 2025 recorded a pass, but the same brake‑line corrosion and axle‑pin wear re‑appeared, indicating that the underlying issues have persisted rather than been fully resolved. With 70,364 miles logged over 17 years the vehicle averages just over 4 000 miles per annum, well below the typical usage rate for a car of this age. The consistent yearly MOTs suggest the car has not been subjected to high‑kilometre stress, yet the low annual mileage can also imply periods of inactivity, which may accelerate corrosion on exposed components such as brake‑line ferrules and suspension bushings. Mechanically, the modest mileage should mean less cumulative wear on engine internals and drivetrain parts, but the recorded wear on brakes and rear suspension must be judged on its own merits rather than mileage alone. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front brake hoses, which have been flagged for slight corrosion to the ferrules at every test since 2021. Inspect the hoses for any signs of external damage, fluid seepage at the connections, or a soft, spongy brake pedal that could indicate a developing leak. The front brake discs have been noted as worn and pitted; during a road test listen for a high‑pitched squeal that changes with pad wear, feel for pedal pulsation, and verify disc thickness with a micrometer. Front brake pads have repeatedly been described as thin, so any squealing on initial braking or reduced braking efficiency should be investigated. The rear axle swivel pins and bushes on both sides have been recorded as slightly worn for three consecutive years, and the nearside rear coil spring failure in 2021 points to potential fatigue in the rear suspension. While driving, listen for clunking or knocking over bumps, feel for any uneven ride height or excessive body roll, and check for uneven tyre wear that may betray a mis‑aligned or worn bush. The nearside rear shock absorber was noted with reduced damping in 2021; a bouncy response on firm braking or a noticeable dip when loading the rear could confirm lingering issues. Finally, verify the condition of the cracked nearside front tyre and the discoloured off‑side rear direction indicator, and have a qualified mechanic perform a thorough inspection of the rear suspension, brake lines and mounting points before committing to purchase.