2010 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · ML59 GUH

The Subaru Forester currently holds a valid MOT pass dated 3 February 2026 at 102,247 miles, following a failure the previous day on 2 February 2026 at the identical recorded mileage. The maintenance trend is broadly stable but punctuated by recurring suspension and structural advisories that suggest a vehicle receiving reactive rather than preventative attention. The most recent failure flagged a non-operative headlamp levelling device on the wishbone, deteriorated ball joint dust covers on both front suspension arms, excessively worn rear anti-roll bar D-buses, and a severely deteriorated constant velocity boot on the offside front drive shaft. These items were rectified ahead of the pass, yet several of the same categories, suspension bushes, ball joint covers, and subframe corrosion, have appeared consistently across multiple test cycles. The February 2026 pass advisory for a windscreen chip not affecting the driver's view is minor, but the pattern of component deterioration indicates a vehicle whose front-end and underbody wear items require close monitoring. At roughly 102,247 miles over approximately sixteen years, the recorded annual mileage of around 6,390 miles is typical for a vehicle of this age and class. The mileage progression shows a notable gap between the February 2024 pass at 96,561 miles and the January 2025 test at 98,806 miles, representing only 2,245 miles over nearly twelve months. This suggests either a period of very light use or a possible gap in testing history. The jump from 98,806 miles in January 2025 to 102,247 miles by February 2026 is more pronounced at 3,441 miles over thirteen months, which remains modest overall but is a marked increase relative to the prior interval. The mileage data is sparse, with only four test events across roughly two years, making it difficult to establish a definitive usage pattern, but the vehicle does not appear to have been driven aggressively or excessively. A buyer inspecting this Forester in person should focus on the front suspension and subframe areas, where the record shows persistent issues. The repeated failure and advisory items for lower suspension arm bushes, ball joint dust covers, and anti-roll bar D-bushes point to a front end that has seen sustained wear and may benefit from a thorough check of wishbone arms, track rod ends, and drop link condition. The January 2025 failure for excessive corrosion on the offside rear subframe mounting is a significant structural concern. Any buyer should have the subframe, inner wing arches, and suspension mounting points inspected with a torch and probe to assess whether surface corrosion has progressed to structural compromise. The deteriorated constant velocity boot flagged in February 2026 raises the question of whether the joint itself has been contaminated; a clicking sound under full lock during a test drive would confirm joint wear. Front tyre wear patterns noted in January 2025, inner shoulder wear on the 215-65-16 fronts, suggest possible tracking or alignment issues that may have recurred. A four-wheel alignment check and close inspection of tyre condition would be prudent. The headlamp levelling device fault on the wishbone is worth verifying, as a non-operative system can mask underlying suspension sag or worn self-levelling components if the vehicle has a rear levelling motor. Overall, the Forester appears mechanically functional at present, but its history of recurring suspension and structural advisories warrants a detailed underbody inspection before purchase.