SUBARU FORESTER2004 · 2.0L PETROL

This 2004 Subaru Forester presents a significant cause for concern, as the vehicle's condition is clearly and rapidly worsening. While the low mileage of 97,881 miles over 22 years might initially suggest light use, the MOT history indicates that the car has suffered from severe structural degradation, likely exacerbated by long periods of standing or environmental exposure. The most recent MOT in January 2025 resulted in a failure due to critical structural issues, specifically excessive corrosion and holes in both the nearside and offside sills, as well as a seriously weakened and holed rear sub-frame. This marks a sharp decline from previous years where corrosion was noted as present but not yet deemed a failure-level safety risk. The progression from minor advisory corrosion to structural failure indicates that the vehicle's integrity has been compromised by rust that has likely spread beyond what is visible on the surface. Beyond the structural decay, the vehicle is suffering from a pattern of neglect regarding its suspension components. The 2025 inspection identified excessively worn ball joints on the offside front suspension and the offside rear anti-roll bar linkage. These mechanical failures, combined with the structural rot, suggest that the vehicle has not been maintained to a standard that ensures safe road use. The recurring nature of these faults, particularly the sub-frame and sill corrosion, demonstrates a persistent issue that has not been effectively rectified. The low annual mileage may have contributed to these problems, as vehicles that sit idle for long periods are highly susceptible to accelerated corrosion and the seizing of mechanical parts.