2001 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · HV51 ANF
2001 Subaru Forester (2.0L, petrol). First registered 03 Oct 2001. Recorded mileage 176,227 miles. MOT expired on 19 Jun 2026. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- SUBARU FORESTER
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Portsmouth
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 19 Jun 2026
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 176,227 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
HV51 ANF Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 21/06/2025
- 176,227 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
HV51 ANF 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 2001 Subaru Forester (HV51 ANF) between March 2023 and June 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 21 June 2025 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: Suspension (8 issues), Tyres (6 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 20 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: “Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”.
HV51 ANF Mileage History
- 25/03/2023163,531 mi
- 27/04/2024171,827 mi+8,296 mi
- 10/05/2024171,850 mi+23 mi
- 21/06/2025176,225 mi+4,375 mi
- 21/06/2025176,227 mi+2 mi
Average of roughly 5,662 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
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Known faults for Subaru Subaru Forester Mk1 (SF)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below 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
Proceed with extreme caution or avoid. While the Forester is a capable vehicle, high mileage combined with recurring structural corrosion and suspension failures makes this a high-risk purchase for most buyers.
At this age and mileage, your priority must be the structural integrity. The MOT history shows a 2024 failure due to 'excessively corroded' rear suspension mounting areas, which is a critical red flag for an older Subaru. Ensure you have a professional underside inspection performed to check for deep rust across the chassis and sills, as the MOT only provides snapshots.
Check for a full service history, specifically looking for the timing belt replacement interval which is vital for this 2.0L engine. Given the frequent failures of ball joints, anti-roll bar links, and dust covers, ask the owner when the suspension was last fully overhauled. If these parts haven't been replaced recently, you should negotiate significantly down to account for the imminent maintenance required.
The 1994cc petrol engine is not particularly fuel-efficient, expect average around 25-30 mpg depending on driving conditions. Tax falls into a mid-range band, and insurance can be higher due to the all-wheel-drive system and older age.
Maintenance costs will be higher than a standard hatchback due to the complexity of the AWD system and suspension geometry. Budget an annual running cost of approximately £1,400-£1,800 including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine repairs.
Focus heavily on the rear suspension and chassis. The MOT history notes repeated issues with anti-roll bar linkage pins and bushes, so check for any play in the steering or clunking when driving over bumps. Specifically inspect the rear suspension mounting areas for structural rust, as this was previously flagged as 'excessively corroded.'
Examine the front ball joints and boots. The history shows multiple failures related to worn dust covers and joints, which can lead to rapid tyre wear if ignored. Also, check for oil leaks around the head gasket and seals, which are common on these high-mileage Subaru Boxer engines.
This 2001 Subaru Forester has covered significant mileage, reaching 176,227 miles, well above the average for its age. While it passed its most recent MOT, the history reveals a persistent pattern of suspension component wear and concerning structural corrosion on rear mounting points. The vehicle shows signs of age-of-life maintenance where the cost of repairs may soon exceed the car's market value.
The first-generation Forester is known for its robust AWD system but is prone to rust issues and suspension component wear as they age.
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
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SUBARU FORESTER Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2001 model year cars.
- Rear Strut Tower and Chassis CorrosionSerious
UK road salt attacks the rear strut towers and the "U-brace" front subframe, often rotting them from the inside out. Structural corrosion here is one of the most common MOT failure areas on high-mileage SF Foresters and can lead to an MOT failure or expensive structural repair.
- Rear Wheel Bearing FailureModerate
The SF is known for chewing through rear wheel bearings, which can be a difficult and labor-intensive job to replace if the hub bolts are seized. A failing bearing produces a rising drone and, left too late, can damage the hub.
- Exhaust System Corrosion and LeaksModerate
On UK-salted roads the SF's exhaust system, silencer and pipes rust from the outside in, producing loud blowing or hissing noises and potentially an MOT failure on exhaust noise, emissions or leaks. This is most likely once the car is well into its mileage and has seen several winters.
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