2012 Vauxhall Astra 1.7L Diesel · SH12 AZJ

A recurring pattern of critical wear-and-tear failures defines this vehicle's history, specifically regarding braking components and tyre tread. The most recent test on 2025-05-20 was initially failed on dangerous grounds due to front and rear brake pads being below 1.5mm and both front tyres falling below the legal 1.6mm limit. This follows a trend of safety-critical items reaching an exhausted state before rectification, including a missing road wheel fixing in 2024 and further tyre failures in 2018. There is insufficient mileage data available to establish a usage profile or calculate the annual accumulation rate for this vehicle. Consequently, the mechanical wear cannot be benchmarked against the vehicle's age. A gap in the testing record exists between April 2018 and November 2021, which suggests the vehicle may have been off the road or subject to irregular usage during that three-year period. Specific focus is required on the braking system during inspection. The 2021 record flagged pitted or scored brake discs, and the 2025 failure involved dangerous pad wear across both axles. On a test drive, the buyer should check for pedal judder or a spongy feel, which can indicate degraded discs or issues with the calipers. The current condition of the tyres should be verified, specifically looking for uneven wear on the front axle that might suggest underlying suspension or alignment issues. The supplementary restraint system warning lamp was recorded as not illuminating in 2021, which is a significant safety defect as it prevents the driver from knowing if the airbags are operational. This should be checked during the ignition cycle. Additionally, the exhaust system should be inspected for leaks or excessive noise, as previously noted in the 2021 advisories. Finally, ensure all road wheel fixings are present and tight, following the failure recorded in January 2024.