2014 Vauxhall Astra 2.0L Diesel · SW14 JVK

The most recent MOT, carried out on 30 September 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle presently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Over the preceding five years the MOT record shows a clear improvement: a failure and several advisories in October 2020, including a fractured rear coil spring and worn rear brake components, were followed by clean passes in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and the latest 2025 test. This progression suggests that any significant faults identified in 2020 have been remedied and that the car’s maintenance regime has been stable or improving since that time. At 87 048 miles the Astra has averaged roughly 7 250 miles per year over its twelve‑year life, a usage rate that sits comfortably within the normal UK range for a family hatchback. The mileage is neither unusually low, which could imply prolonged periods of storage, nor excessively high, which would accelerate wear of consumables such as clutch, suspension bushings and engine bearings. There are no conspicuous gaps in the recorded mileage that would hint at long periods of inactivity, so the wear pattern is likely to be consistent with steady, moderate use. The 2020 advisories concerning the nearside and offside rear brake discs being worn, pitted or scored, together with thin rear pads, merit close inspection. On a test drive the driver should listen for a faint squeal or feel a slight pulsation when applying the rear brakes, and should check for any uneven braking feel that could indicate disc corrosion or uneven pad wear. It is essential to verify that the rear brake discs have been resurfaced or replaced and that the pads are of adequate thickness; a visual inspection should show a uniform disc surface without deep scoring and pads with at least 3 mm of friction material remaining. The major fault recorded in 2020 – a fractured off‑side rear coil spring – would have required replacement; the buyer should confirm that the suspension has been rebuilt, checking that the rear coil springs are intact, that the mounting points are free of corrosion, and that the rear ride height is even. Any lingering suspension clunk or excessive bounce would suggest incomplete repair. Given the vehicle’s age, irrespective of the MOT record, the buyer should also conduct age‑related checks. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or age‑related hardening, especially if the tyres have not been rotated recently, and verify that tread depth is above the legal minimum and evenly worn. Inspect the 12 V battery for signs of sulphation, low cranking voltage or swollen cells, as batteries over ten years often require replacement. Check that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are at the correct level and appear clear, noting that brake fluid should be changed at least every two years regardless of mileage. Look for any corrosion on the chassis, especially around the wheel arches and under‑body, and ensure that the exhaust system is free of excessive rust or holes that could affect emissions compliance. A thorough visual and auditory inspection, combined with a road test that includes gentle acceleration, braking, cornering and a short high‑speed run, will give the prospective buyer confidence that the Astra remains mechanically sound and roadworthy.