2004 Vauxhall Astra 1.8L Petrol · WP04 EFR

The roadworthiness of this vehicle is concerning, showing a trend of reactive rather than preventative maintenance. The most recent test in February 2023 at 145,330 miles resulted in a significant failure involving critical safety and mechanical components, including a fractured front coil spring, significantly worn front brake discs, and illegal tyre depths. The frequency of these failures suggests that the vehicle is only repaired when forced to by an MOT tester, rather than addressing wear and tear during routine service intervals. The vehicle has covered 145,330 miles over approximately 22 years, averaging roughly 6,600 miles per year. While this low annual mileage is typical for an older car of this age, there is a problematic gap in the data. The last recorded test was in February 2023, meaning the vehicle has potentially operated for over three years without a formal roadworthiness check. This lack of recent data leaves the current state of the drivetrain and mechanical components entirely unknown, especially given the state of equipment noted in the 2023 failure. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the exhaust and braking systems, as the record shows persistent exhaust leaks dating back to 2021. The recurring issues with front brake discs and pads indicate a history of neglecting consumable components. Specific attention should be paid to the suspension geometry; the previous fractured coil spring and excessive track rod end play suggest other rubber bushes and joints may be reaching the end of their life. The gearbox oil leak noted in 2022 also requires physical verification to ensure it has not progressed into a catastrophic failure during the period of unrecorded testing.