2008 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · WF08 SWN
2008 Vauxhall Astra (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01 Apr 2008. Recorded mileage 135,890 miles. MOT valid until 07 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 Aug 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- VAUXHALL ASTRA
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Exeter
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 07 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Aug 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 135,890 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
WF08 SWN Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 09/04/2026
- 135,890 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
WF08 SWN MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2008 Vauxhall Astra (WF08 SWN) between February 2024 and April 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 09 April 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (9 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 10 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 ”; “Nearside Front Service brake lagging in operation (1.2.1 (d))”; “Offside Rear Service brake lagging in operation (1.2.1 (d))”.
WF08 SWN Mileage History
- 26/02/2024120,216 mi
- 10/03/2025129,223 mi+9,007 mi
- 17/03/2025129,226 mi+3 mi
- 23/02/2026135,111 mi+5,885 mi
- 09/04/2026135,890 mi+779 mi
Average of roughly 7,405 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise significant caution before purc
If you are considering this Astra, your primary focus must be on the structural integrity of the subframe. Although the 2026 pass notes that corrosion is 'not considered excessive,' it follows a direct failure in February 2026 where the subframe was described as 'excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength.' You must verify that the necessary structural repairs were carried out to a professional standard.
Additionally, check the service history for any evidence of work related to the cam cover gasket (noted in 2025) and the braking system. Given the repeated advisories regarding worn or pitted brake discs and lagging brakes, ensure the entire braking system has been overhauled rather than just patched up. Negotiate the price downwards to account for the high mileage and the recent history of significant mechanical and structural repairs.
As a 1.6L petrol model, running costs will be moderate. Fuel economy for this era of Astra is typically average for a non-hybrid hatchback. Tax and insurance groups for a 2008 petrol Astra are generally affordable, making it a common choice for budget-conscious drivers.
However, maintenance costs may be higher than expected due to the recurring nature of the issues seen in the MOT history, such as suspension bushes, brake components, and potential oil leaks. Expect to budget more for preventative maintenance on the underside of the car to manage corrosion. The estimated annual running cost is approximately £1,100-£1,400, depending on fuel prices and repair frequency.
A thorough inspection of the underside is mandatory. Specifically, examine the nearside and offside subframe mounting areas for any signs of ongoing or poorly repaired corrosion. The 2026 MOT history specifically flagged these areas, so look for uneven surfaces or recent welding/patching.
Secondly, inspect the braking system and suspension. The vehicle has a history of imbalanced brakes, lagging brakes, and worn suspension arm bushes. Test the pedal feel to ensure there is no 'insufficient reserve travel' as seen in the February 2026 failure. Finally, check the engine bay for any signs of oil weeping from the cam cover area, following the leak recorded in the 2025 MOT.
This 2008 silver Vauxhall Astra 1.6 petrol has covered 135,890 miles, which is notably higher than the model average of 6,744 miles per year. While it passed its most recent MOT in April 2026, the history shows a significant failure in February 2026 due to excessive subframe corrosion and brake issues. The vehicle has also shown signs of oil leaks and exhaust emissions issues in previous years.
Aggregate data for this model shows a 78% MOT pass rate, suggesting that a significant portion of the fleet encounters issues during testing.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (WF08 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as WF08SWN.
MAZDA
2
SUBARU
JUSTY
SUBARU
IMPREZA
SUBARU
IMPREZA
SUBARU
IMPREZA
MAZDA
2
SMART (MCC)
FORTWO COUPE
VOLVO
S40
VOLVO
XC70
VOLVO
V50
VOLVO
V50
VOLVO
V50
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.