SUBARU FORESTER1997 · 2.0L PETROL

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a clear shift toward mechanical degradation and reactive repairs. While it passed the most recent April 2026 test at 201,655 miles, this followed a failure just three miles prior due to critical steering and suspension component issues. The presence of missing steering rack gaiters and deteriorated ball joint dust covers indicates that the front-end components are reaching the end of their life. The non-excessive engine oil leak remains a persistent issue that has not been addressed despite being flagged in consecutive tests. At 29 years old, the recorded mileage of 201,655 miles represents an average of approximately 7,000 miles per year, which is consistent with an older vehicle of this type. The data shows steady usage patterns with roughly 4,000 to 5,000 miles driven between each annual test over the last three years. However, the transition from a clean record in April 2025 to multiple-point failures in April 2026 suggests that the vehicle is now experiencing accelerated wear typical to its high-mileage fatigue of rubber and metal components. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the steering and front suspension geometry. The missing steering rack gaiters and play in the steering column universal joint suggest significant internal wear that could lead to steering- or mechanical failure if not replaced. Particular attention should be paid to the offside front brake pipe which was found corroded and masked, likely a tactic used to hide rust from the tester. Given the previous report of overheating on the rear brakes in 2024, the entire braking system should be checked for binding calipers or uneven pad wear to ensure continued safety.