2018 Vauxhall Astra 1.4L Petrol · RH02 AEH

The Vauxhall Astra’s most recent MOT test, conducted on 31 October 2025, confirms the vehicle passed without defects, though the preceding day’s failure on the offside front tyre tread—just 24 hours earlier—demonstrates a critical oversight. This pattern of near-misses on tyre tread, particularly the repeated offside front issue spanning three consecutive tests (2023, 2024, and 2025), suggests a lack of proactive maintenance rather than a mechanical flaw. While the latest pass indicates compliance at the time of inspection, the failure in October 2025 underscores that basic upkeep, such as tyre rotation or replacement, was deferred until the legal limit was nearly reached. No other recurring faults appear in the record, and the absence of advisories or structural concerns in the 2025 test suggests the vehicle has not undergone significant mechanical neglect beyond tyre management. The recorded mileage of 22,684 miles over eight years—approximately 2,836 miles annually—indicates unusually light usage for a vehicle of this age, particularly when compared to typical UK driving patterns. The gaps between tests reveal no rapid mileage accumulation; instead, the most notable interval is the 17-month period between the 2022 and 2023 MOTs, during which the vehicle accumulated just 4,448 miles. Such low mileage could imply prolonged periods of storage, which may contribute to other wear not captured in the MOT record, such as degraded fluids or minor corrosion from exposure. The consistency in mileage between tests (around 3,000–4,500 miles per year) further supports the idea of infrequent use, though this does not necessarily correlate with mechanical condition beyond the tyre issues already noted. Given the history, a buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the front tyres, particularly the offside, to confirm they meet current legal standards and have not been tampered with to pass the MOT. The repeated tread warnings imply either a history of delayed replacement or inconsistent rotation practices, so checking for uneven wear patterns or residual damage is essential. Beyond tyres, the absence of advisories or failures in other categories does not preclude potential issues; however, the suspension components—especially the front bushes and coil springs—should be scrutinised for wear, as low mileage can mask gradual degradation. The brakes, while not explicitly flagged, warrant a thorough check for binding calipers or uneven pad wear, given the 2025 failure was tied to a single tyre issue rather than a broader mechanical trend. Structural integrity, particularly around wheel arches and sills, should also be assessed for corrosion, as prolonged periods of inactivity can accelerate rust development in critical areas.