2017 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Diesel · VX17 VCL

The Vauxhall Astra’s MOT history closes with a clean September 2025 pass at 115,592 miles, marking the first time in two years no advisories or defects were recorded. However, the trend leading up to this point was unstable, with a critical failure in February 2025—just weeks before the subsequent pass—revealing multiple active issues: a fractured anti-roll bar linkage, binding front brakes (pitted discs and near-exhausted pads), and a tyre fouling the bodywork. The steering column bearing, flagged as worn in both the failed and passed tests that month, suggests deferred attention to a component that, while not immediately dangerous, could lead to play in the steering wheel over time. The fact that the February 2025 failure was rectified within days (as evidenced by the immediate pass at the same mileage) indicates the repairs were likely prompt, but the recurrence of brake wear and the anti-roll bar fracture point to either aggressive driving or a history of neglected suspension maintenance. The Astra’s mileage—115,592 over nine years—averages around 12,800 miles annually, which is high for its age and aligns with heavier use or commercial application. The gaps between tests are irregular: a full year between the 2024 and 2023 MOTs (77,490 to 91,535 miles) suggests either infrequent testing or a period of reduced activity, while the rapid accumulation between February 2024 (91,535 miles) and February 2025 (107,606 miles) implies a phase of intensive use. The 2024 test itself showed two tyre advisories—one near-legal tread depth and a sidewall cut—indicating that basic consumable checks were occasionally overlooked. This pattern of sporadic maintenance, particularly around brakes and tyres, raises questions about whether the vehicle has been consistently cared for beyond MOT compliance. For a buyer, the most urgent areas to inspect in person are the front suspension and braking systems. The fractured anti-roll bar linkage in February 2025—though repaired—demands verification that the weld or replacement was sound, as fatigue in this component can compromise cornering stability. The repeated advisories on front brake discs (pitted and scored) and pads (worn thin) suggest uneven braking performance or heat buildup, which could mask deeper issues like warped discs or seized calipers. The steering column bearing, while not critical at this stage, should be checked for excessive free play, as prolonged wear may indicate alignment or steering rack problems. Finally, the tyre history—including the 2024 sidewall cut and edge wear—points to potential wheel alignment issues or aggressive cornering, so inspect the wheels and suspension bushes for uneven wear or corrosion. Structural integrity appears sound, but the nearside rear brake disc advisory in 2025 warrants a closer look at rust or corrosion in the rear wheel arches.