2013 Vauxhall Astra 2.0L Diesel · ST63 YPM

A fractured pair of rear coil springs recorded as a Major failure in October 2023 sits at the heart of this Astra's MOT history, representing the most significant structural event across seven recorded tests. Aside from that episode and a more recent ABS fault flagged on a failed re-test on the same day in October 2025, the vehicle has consistently passed its annual examinations, with a clean run from 2020 through 2022 and a defect-free pass in September 2024. However, the October 2025 visit produced four advisories alongside the ABS Major, suggesting the car is beginning to show the kind of accumulated wear typical of a thirteen year old vehicle nearing the end of its comfortable service life. The simultaneous failed and passed entries on 6 October 2025 indicate the vehicle was presented, failed on the ABS warning lamp, and then presumably rectified and re-submitted on the same day, passing with the residual advisories still standing. With 55,819 miles recorded over roughly thirteen years, this Astra has covered an average of approximately 4,294 miles annually, which is notably below the typical mileage for a vehicle of this age and class. This low annual accumulation implies either extended periods of low use or intermittent rather than daily driving, both of which can produce their own mechanical consequences such as seized brake calipers, dried suspension bushes, and corrosion on underbody components that only develop when a car is left standing. There are no obvious gaps in the testing history, with annual entries from 2020 through 2025, suggesting the vehicle has been kept on the road consistently even if not used heavily. The mileage progression appears gradual rather than showing any anomalous spikes between tests. The October 2023 failure of both rear coil springs is the defect most warranting close inspection on any prospective purchase. Replacement springs from that point forward should be confirmed, and the vehicle should be driven over uneven road surfaces and speed humps with the windows down to listen for any secondary clonking or squeaking that could indicate fatigued rear shock absorbers or compromised spring seats. The rear brake discs flagged as worn with the offside disc showing signs of heat discolouration on the 2025 advisories should be measured for remaining thickness, as heat-stressed discs can develop cracking or excessive run-out over time, manifesting as pedal pulsation or vibration under braking. The fuel filler pipe corrosion advisory, recorded as not excessive, should be examined with a torch for any bubbling or perforation around the pipe runs under the rear of the car, particularly where the pipe routes near the underbody. The ABS warning lamp failure on the same October 2025 test warrants particular attention, as the cause and the nature of the rectification should be established through paperwork or direct enquiry. Common culprits on this generation of Astra include failed wheel speed sensors, corroded sensor wiring at the hubs, or relay faults, and a proper diagnostic readout confirming the specific fault code and component replaced would be reassuring. The offside rear tyre cracking and perishing advisory also aligns with the low-mileage profile, as ageing rubber deteriorates through environmental exposure rather than wear, so all four tyres should be inspected for sidewall cracking regardless of remaining tread depth. Finally, on the test drive, the buyer should test the ABS function on a loose gravel surface or in wet conditions, confirm the warning lamp remains extinguished after start-up, and check for any uneven pulling under braking that could indicate a binding caliper given the rear disc advisories.