2012 Vauxhall Astra 1.4L Petrol · SA62 UME

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, though the maintenance trend shows a shift toward minor mechanical degradation. In the most recent test in September 2025 at 40,246 miles, the tester identified a binding nearside front service brake and a perishing offside rear tyre. While these issues did not prevent a pass, they represent a departure from the clean records seen previously, indicating that age-related wear is beginning to manifest despite the low mileage. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 14-year-old Astra, averaging approximately 2,875 miles per year. Between September 2022 and September 2025, the car covered only 7,522 miles, suggesting a pattern of infrequent use or long-term storage. This low-mileage status typically reduces the mechanical wear on the drivetrain and engine, but it often increases the risk of rubber-based components such as seals and tyres drying out and failing over time, as evidenced by the cracking noted in the latest MOT entry. A buyer must physically inspect the front braking system to determine if the binding noted in 2025 is the result of a seized caliper piston or corroded slide pins. The offside rear tyre requires immediate replacement if the perishing has compromised structural integrity, regardless of tread depth. Given the vehicle has likely sat for long periods, an inspection should also check for perished suspension bushes and significant surface corrosion on the underbody components, as these components degrade faster on stationary vehicles than on those driven regularly.