2010 Vauxhall Astra 1.7L Diesel · SB60 FPC

The Vauxhall Astra’s most recent MOT test on 18 August 2025—just 11 months ago—confirmed full roadworthiness at 82,089 miles, with no defects recorded. While this suggests the vehicle passed without major issues at the time, the history reveals a concerning pattern in suspension integrity. The offside front coil spring failure in August 2024 (75,476 miles) and the worn offside front suspension arm pin/bush in August 2022 (58,223 miles) indicate a recurring weakness in that corner of the suspension. The absence of further failures since the 2024 spring replacement does not guarantee stability, particularly given the age-related stress on coil springs and bushes. Buyers should treat this as a red flag for potential hidden corrosion or fatigue in adjacent components, especially if the spring was not professionally replaced with OEM parts. The recorded mileage of 82,089 miles over 16 years—averaging just over 5,000 miles annually—suggests either light use or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gap between the 2022 and 2023 MOTs (6,992 miles in 11 months) is unusually high for a vehicle of this age, which could imply sporadic driving rather than consistent low-mileage maintenance. The 2024 failure at 75,476 miles, followed by a near-immediate retest at 75,481 miles, hints at either a rushed inspection or a vehicle that had been driven shortly before the initial test. This irregularity raises questions about how diligently the vehicle was monitored between tests, particularly for wear items like tyres, brakes, and fluid levels. Given the suspension history, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the offside front suspension, including the coil spring, bushes, and mounting points for signs of corrosion or excessive play. The 2022 advisory on the suspension arm pin/bush suggests this area may degrade further, so visual confirmation of its condition is essential. Additionally, the binding caliper advisory from the 2022 test (if present in the full record) warrants verification, as brake wear can accelerate with age. Structural integrity should also be assessed, particularly for rust in wheel arches, sills, and the subframe, as these areas are critical for long-term safety. The lack of recent defects does not negate the need for careful scrutiny of these high-risk components.