2012 Vauxhall Astra 1.4L Petrol · RO12 YPV

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend regarding mechanical seals and emissions. While the most recent test in February 2026 at 90,290 miles passed with only a minor cap defect, the preceding failure in November 2025 highlights significant systemic issues. The tester flagged an inoperative engine management light, an excessive engine oil leak, a coolant leak, and an exhaust leak. These faults suggest that while the owner eventually addressed the issues to pass, the underlying engine integrity and cooling system have been degrading over time. The mileage pattern is consistent with a fourteen-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 6,450 miles per year. There is a notable gap of 4,316 miles between the November 2024 and November 2025 tests, followed by another 7,639 miles covered between the November 2025 failure and the February 2026 pass. These low-mileage intervals suggest the car is used for short trips, which often contributes to the drying of rubber components and the accumulation of leaks noted in the record. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the engine bay to verify that the oil and coolant leaks identified in 2025 have been properly sealed rather than just masked. The recurring failure of the engine management light is a critical concern as it indicates potential electronic faults that could mask more expensive repairs. Additionally, attention should be paid to the rear braking system, as the 2024 record noted thin pads and worn discs, and the exhaust flex pipe should be checked for signs of structural corrosion following its previous failure.