Vauxhall Astra (1994)
1994 Vauxhall Astra
CarHunch analysed 63,398 real MOT records for the 1994 Vauxhall Astra. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
A 1994 Astra passes MOT first time just 66% of the time, well below the UK average of 80%, which means you're looking at a car that typically needs repairs before it clears inspection. The good news is that only 14% have ever had dangerous defects recorded, so while these cars are aging and showing their years, they're not inherently unsafe if properly maintained.
These Astras average around 111,000 miles—reasonable for their age—but the real tell is the 1.92 failures per vehicle and 5.2 advisories, pointing to accumulated wear across multiple systems rather than one specific weak point. If you're considering one, budget for a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, as nearly a third will fail their next MOT and you'll want to know exactly what you're inheriting.
Petrol vs Diesel
Pass rate difference of 2.9 percentage points — worth knowing if you're choosing between the two.
What to check before buying a 1994 Vauxhall Astra
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Vauxhall Astra
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (76%) | 48,258 | 66.4% | 1.95 |
| Diesel (24%) | 15,127 | 63.5% | 1.8 |
| LPG (0%) | 9 | 65.5% | 3.22 |
| Electric (0%) | 2 | 54.2% | 3 |
| Other (0%) | 2 | 25% | 1 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1994 Vauxhall Astra vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1994 Vauxhall Astra vehicles fall between 81,837 and 120,226 miles.
1994 Vauxhall Astra — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 194 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (6% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1994 Vauxhall Astra
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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25.1%
Oil leak
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21.3%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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20.2%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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16.1%
Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm
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14.9%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
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14%
Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm
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13.7%
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement
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13.6%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1994. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Vauxhall Astra?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.