CarVerify

Free Car Check

BJ53 VHU

2003 Vauxhall Astravan

Silver Petrol 1598cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires23 Sep 2026
Tests30 (19 pass, 11 fail)
Pass rate63.3%

Mileage

127,798 mi
Last recorded127,798 miles
Recorded on1 Jul 2026
Typical for 2003 Vauxhall Astravan108,331 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Vauxhall
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £9.99

Not all car check providers offer a guarantee. Don't risk buying from services that can't back their data. CarVerify reports include a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationBJ53 VHU
MakeVauxhall
ModelAstravan
Year2003
ColourSilver
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,598cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

19 pass 11 fail
Fail 1 Jul 2026 127,798 miles

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength inner/outer wheel arch/inner/outer sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Offside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded on axle (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength inner /outer wheel arch/outer sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Rear Registration plate inscription illegible (0.1 (b))

Exhaust emits blue smoke during acceleration (8.2.1.2 (g))

Nearside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Nearside Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material on axle (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule both (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Pass 24 Sep 2025 126,365 miles

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Front Oil leak, but not excessive engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases from the joint (6.1.2 (a))

Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive both (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear Upper Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Fail 15 Sep 2025 126,362 miles

Nearside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Front Oil leak, but not excessive engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases from the joint (6.1.2 (a))

Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive both (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear Upper Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 5 Sep 2024 121,515 miles

Front Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Front Lower Oil leak, but not excessive from engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Front Semaphore indicator arm slightly discoloured both front (4.4.3 (a))

Offside Front Inner Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Outer Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Rear Coil spring corroded both rear (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Fail 4 Sep 2024 121,514 miles

Nearside Front Outer Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Front Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Front Lower Oil leak, but not excessive from engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Front Semaphore indicator arm slightly discoloured both front (4.4.3 (a))

Offside Front Inner Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Outer Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Rear Coil spring corroded both rear (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Pass 18 Sep 2023 117,007 miles

Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened has areas of corrosion detected (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing cracking in tread (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge getting worn on outer edge secondary step tread detected (sipes (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

nearside and offside headlamp lenses getting perished

rear chassis has areas of corrosion detected

Fail 4 Sep 2023 116,936 miles

Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded x2 pipes (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting inner and outer sills corroded and holed (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded x2 pipes (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting inner and outer sills corroded and holed (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened has areas of corrosion detected (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing cracking in tread (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge getting worn on outer edge secondary step tread detected (sipes (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

nearside and offside headlamp lenses getting perished

rear chassis has areas of corrosion detected

Pass 8 Sep 2022 107,666 miles

Front Coil spring corroded Both front coil springs corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Front Lower Engine mounting damaged but not to excess Engine/gearbox mounting worn and split (6.1.8 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing 175/70 R14 84T Advise replacement (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 175/70 R14 88T Outside edge of tread worn (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Oil leak, but not excessive Engine leaking oil (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread Advise replacement (0.1 (b))

Fail 31 Aug 2022 107,572 miles

Offside Front Lower Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Front Coil spring corroded Both front coil springs corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Front Lower Engine mounting damaged but not to excess Engine/gearbox mounting worn and split (6.1.8 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing 175/70 R14 84T Advise replacement (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 175/70 R14 88T Outside edge of tread worn (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Oil leak, but not excessive Engine leaking oil (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread Advise replacement (0.1 (b))

Pass 2 Sep 2021 102,572 miles

Exhaust emits blue smoke during acceleration Pre MOT checks - No oil on dipstick - Added 0.5 litre to bring up to minimum (8.2.1.2 (g))

Front Coil spring corroded Both front coils corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Front Engine mounting damaged but not to excess Lower engine / gearbox rubber mounting worn and split (6.1.8 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Lower Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Fail 1 Sep 2021 102,543 miles

Offside Rear Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords 175/70 R14 84T Cut in the tread, cords visible (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Exhaust emits blue smoke during acceleration Pre MOT checks - No oil on dipstick - Added 0.5 litre to bring up to minimum (8.2.1.2 (g))

Front Coil spring corroded Both front coils corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Front Engine mounting damaged but not to excess Lower engine / gearbox rubber mounting worn and split (6.1.8 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Lower Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Pass 3 Sep 2020 98,158 miles

Front Lower Engine mounting damaged but not to excess Rubber worn and split (6.1.8 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 175/70 R14 Outside edge worn (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 175/70 R14 Outside edge worn (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Fail 2 Sep 2020 98,157 miles

Offside Front Service brake excessively binding Advise not to drive - This brake will overheat (1.2.1 (f))

Offside Front Service brake lagging in operation (1.2.1 (d))

Offside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Windscreen washer not working Switch broken (3.5 (a))

Windscreen wiper not working Switch broken (3.4 (a))

Front Lower Engine mounting damaged but not to excess Rubber worn and split (6.1.8 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 175/70 R14 Outside edge worn (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 175/70 R14 Outside edge worn (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Wheel bearing - Unable to assess due to binding brake

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Pass 16 May 2019 95,421 miles

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Fail 13 May 2019 95,392 miles

Central Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))

Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak (8.2.1.1 (b))

Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a))

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Outer Brake pad(s) worn down to wear indicator (1.1.13 (a) (i))

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Pass 18 May 2018 91,325 miles

Coolant leak

Nearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Pass 6 Jan 2017 86,058 miles

Nearside Front Macpherson strut has slight movement at the upper attachment (2.5.A.1c)

Nearside mirror slightly insecure

Offside Front Macpherson strut has slight movement at the upper attachment (2.5.A.1c)

Oil leak Engine

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Pass 18 Jan 2016 81,570 miles
Fail 7 Jan 2016 81,563 miles

Nearside Front Outer Drive shaft which forms part of the suspension coupling gaiter insecure to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.4.G.4e)

Pass 19 Jan 2015 77,798 miles

Nearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Pass 10 Dec 2013 71,229 miles

surface corrosion rear brake pipes

Pass 20 Dec 2012 63,763 miles

coolant level low

osr brake pipe surface corrosion

rear wiper blade worn

slight movement both front suspension top mounts

Fail 18 Dec 2012 63,670 miles

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

coolant level low

osr brake pipe surface corrosion

rear exhaust joint corroded thin

rear wiper blade worn

slight movement both front suspension top mounts

Pass 20 Dec 2011 56,389 miles

may require front brake pads soon

rear exhaust corroded thin at joint may require replacement soon

slight movement osf strut top mount

Pass 14 Dec 2010 50,085 miles

Nearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

o/s/f tyre cut on sidewall

Pass 22 Dec 2009 44,556 miles

Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

Nearside Front Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated (2.5.C.1a)

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Pass 30 Dec 2008 37,239 miles
Fail 30 Dec 2008 37,237 miles

Front registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)

Nearside Front Headlamp not in a clean condition affecting beam image (1.2.4a)

Offside Front Headlamp not in a clean condition affecting beam image (1.2.4a)

Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Pass 20 Nov 2007 27,198 miles

Rear Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

Pass 14 Nov 2006 19,754 miles

How Reliable is the Vauxhall Astravan?

Based on 679,643 MOT tests across 58,240 vehicles.

68.2%
Pass Rate
7,780
Miles/Year
33
Year Lifespan
58,240
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Brake pipe excessively corroded 35,295
Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 34,913
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 19,092
position lamp(s) not working 17,431
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 16,678
Full Vauxhall Astravan reliability report

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

BJ53 VHU is a 2003 Vauxhall Astravan in Silver with a 1,598cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 30 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 63.3%.

Across all 2003 Vauxhall Astravan models, the average MOT pass rate is 68.6% with a typical mileage of 108,331 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Vauxhall Astravan fails its MOT is brake pipe excessively corroded, accounting for 35,295 recorded failures. If you're considering buying BJ53 VHU, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Vauxhall Astravan typically stays on UK roads for around 33 years. At 23 years old, this Vauxhall Astravan is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of BJ53 VHU?

You can check the full history of BJ53 VHU by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was BJ53 VHU registered?

BJ53 VHU is a 2003 Vauxhall Astravan, first registered on 12 November 2003.

Is BJ53 VHU safe to buy?

The MOT history for BJ53 VHU shows 30 tests with a 63.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does BJ53 VHU have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on BJ53 VHU. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.