2013 Vauxhall Astra 1.7L Diesel · VE13 XEC

The vehicle achieved a PASS on 30 March 2026 at 110,797 miles, the most recent MOT. The test recorded no defects, confirming current roadworthiness. The history shows a pattern of intermittent failures from 2018 through 2024, with brake component wear, coil‑spring fractures and exhaust leaks dominating the fault list. After the severe 2024 failure, the subsequent inspections have been largely clean, suggesting an improving maintenance trend despite earlier recurring issues. Mileage accumulation averages roughly 8,500 miles per year, which is typical for a 13‑year‑old vehicle. MOT entries are spaced annually, though there are brief gaps between 2018‑2019 and 2019‑2020 where no tests were recorded. The jump from 85,436 miles in March 2021 to 95,087 miles in March 2022 indicates a period of heavier use, while the later progression to 110,797 miles by March 2026 reflects steady, expected wear over the remaining life of the car. A buyer should inspect the rear brake assembly for pad thickness and disc condition, as repeated thin‑pad and weakened‑disc entries appear in 2023‑2024. The rear coil springs have failed on three separate occasions (2018, 2019, 2021); visual inspection for fractures and proper ride height is essential. The exhaust system shows a minor leak in 2025 and a major leak in 2023, so check for rust, loose brackets and proper attachment of the silencer. Tyre condition warrants close attention: front tyres have been worn to legal limits, inner‑tread wear and ply exposure have been noted, and rear tyres show cracking. Verify that all wheel nuts are present and torqued, and examine the parking brake linkage for full efficiency. Headlamp aim and dipped‑beam operation have been problematic; a functional check of beam projection and switch operation is required. The registration plate illumination and plate legibility have been recurring advisories, so confirm the lamp functions and the plate is legible. Finally, review the engine management light history; an inoperative MIL in 2023 suggests possible sensor or ECU issues that should be scanned.