2009 Vauxhall Astra 1.4L Petrol · SG09 MTO

The Vauxhall Astra’s MOT history presents a striking anomaly: three consecutive failures in December 2024—on the 16th, 18th, and 19th—all at mileages clustered between 108,225 and 111,235 miles, yet with no defects recorded in any of them. This sequence strongly suggests a clerical or administrative error, likely a misfiled or duplicated test, rather than genuine mechanical issues. The December 2023 test at 108,252 miles passed without faults, and the subsequent December 2024 retest at the same mileage also passed, reinforcing that the vehicle met all roadworthiness standards when properly examined. The absence of advisories or defects across all entries indicates no recurring wear or neglect, though the repeated failures raise questions about the integrity of the recorded data. For a buyer, this inconsistency demands verification—either through the V5C logbook or a fresh inspection—to confirm the Astra’s true condition. The vehicle’s mileage accumulation aligns closely with typical usage for its age, averaging roughly 6,543 miles per year over 17 years. The gap between the December 2023 test (108,252 miles) and the December 2024 retest (111,235 miles) suggests minimal activity—just 2,983 miles covered in a year—pointing to either infrequent use or a prolonged period of inactivity. Such low mileage reduces stress on consumables like tyres and brakes, but it also means components such as suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake fluid may have degraded slowly without regular operation. The lack of mileage spikes or advisories for wear items implies the Astra was either well-maintained or simply driven sparingly, though the clustered failures complicate that assessment. Given the MOT record’s inconsistencies, a buyer should prioritise a thorough pre-purchase inspection, focusing on structural integrity and hidden wear. Pay particular attention to the suspension—check for worn bushes, degraded coil springs, or uneven tyre wear that could indicate alignment issues. The brakes should be tested for binding calipers, uneven pad thickness, or corrosion on discs, especially since the MOT history offers no insight into their condition. Exhaust emissions and fuel system components (like the DPF, if fitted) should also be verified, as these are often overlooked but critical for long-term reliability. Finally, inspect for surface rust or corrosion in wheel arches, sills, and underbody panels, as the sparse MOT data provides no evidence of prior treatment. The absence of defects in valid tests is encouraging, but the administrative irregularities demand hands-on confirmation before purchase.