2002 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · PK02 AEN

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but suffers from a clear trend of worsening mechanical degradation and deferred maintenance. While it passed its most recent test in March 2026 at 79,428 miles, this followed a failure just four days prior due to serious leaks in both rear shock absorbers. The transition from light misting in 2024 to total failure in 2026 indicates that the suspension components reached the end of their operational life without being replaced preemptively. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a 24-year-old Astra, averaging approximately 3,310 miles per year. Between March 2024 and March 2026, the car covered only 4,728 miles, suggesting it sits stationary for long periods. This low-mileage usage explains the relatively low wear on drivetrain components but correlates with the age-related failures, such as the perishing of rubber components and the corrosion of metal brake pipes noted across multiple tests in 2024 and 2025. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the braking system, as corrosion on the front and rear brake pipes has been a recurring issue for the last three years. The presence of grease on these pipes suggests an attempt to mask rust rather than treat the underlying metal decay. The steering rack also shows new play in the nearside inner joint as of 2026, which is a significant mechanical fault that can affect vehicle handling and safety. The exhaust system now requires attention due to a minor leak identified in the most recent March 2026 test. Given the history of deteriorated registration plates and perishing tyres, specifically those noted on the offside rear, the vehicle should be checked for general structural rot and rubber dry-rottacking. The record suggests an owner who only addresses faults when they trigger an MOT failure, rather than performing proactive maintenance to keep an aging vehicle in peak mechanical condition.