2016 Vauxhall Astra 1.4L Petrol · VO66 WEW

The most recent MOT, dated 8 November 2025, resulted in a failure. The failure was recorded for a major fault – the tyre pressure monitoring system was either malfunctioning or clearly inoperative – and the test was also flagged for a near‑side rear child seat that prevented a full inspection of the adult seatbelt. Although the same date shows a “passed” entry with only advisory notes, the presence of a major defect overrides the pass and means the vehicle would not have been legally roadworthy until the TPMS issue was rectified. Over the preceding years the pattern has been one of recurring tyre wear advisories, brake‑pad and disc wear notes, and a serious front‑tyre tread deficiency in 2020. The recent addition of a TPMS fault suggests the overall maintenance trend is slipping rather than improving, with tyre condition remaining a persistent concern. At 57,895 miles the Astra averages roughly 5,800 miles per annum, which is well below the typical usage for a ten‑year‑old family hatchback. Such low annual mileage often points to periods of infrequent use or prolonged storage. While reduced mileage generally lessens wear on engine and drivetrain components, it can accelerate age‑related degradation of rubber items, battery plates and seals. Tyres that have spent many years on the road, even with modest mileage, may have suffered from sidewall cracking, dry‑rot, or loss of structural integrity, especially given the repeated edge‑wear advisories. Likewise, a battery that has not been regularly cycled can develop sulphation, leading to reduced cranking power and a higher likelihood of failure when the car is finally driven. Prospective buyers should give the tyre set the most thorough examination. Inspect all four wheels for tread depth – the legal minimum is 1.6 mm, but the advisories indicate that the front tyres were already at or below this limit in 2020 and that edge‑wear and a cut on the near‑side rear tyre persist. Look for sidewall cracks, bulges or dry‑rot, and feel for any soft spots that could indicate internal damage. Verify that the TPMS sensors are functional by checking that the dashboard warning light extinguishes after a short drive and, if possible, have the system scanned with a diagnostic tool. During a test drive listen for any thumping or vibration that may betray a tyre that is out of round or has a concealed puncture, and note any pull to one side which could be a sign of uneven tyre wear or mis‑alignment. Brake wear has been flagged consistently: front pads were reported at 4‑5 mm in 2022 and rear pads at 2‑3 mm, with discs described as pitted but not yet structurally compromised. Examine the pads for remaining thickness – anything below 3 mm on the front or 2 mm on the rear warrants replacement soon. Inspect the discs for deep scoring or rust, especially on the rear where standing can cause surface corrosion. The smooth‑wearing brake pedal noted in 2023 and 2024 may indicate a worn pedal pad or a developing issue with the master cylinder; feel for any sponginess or excessive travel when applying the brakes. Also check the condition of the suspension bushes and mounts, as low‑usage cars can develop corrosion at mounting points and rubber bushings can harden with age, leading to clunking noises over bumps. Finally, confirm the battery’s state of charge and conduct a load test, replace the coolant and brake fluid if service stamps are missing, and ensure the rear registration lamp and all exterior lighting are operational, as the 2020 failure on the rear plate lamp suggests a possible lingering electrical fault. A comprehensive visual inspection combined with a careful, varied‑speed test drive will reveal whether the Astra’s age‑related wear has been kept in check or if further investment will be required.