1997 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · R611 MJU

The 1997 Subaru Forester has a roadworthiness status of PASSED, but the maintenance history indicates a clear trend of worsening condition rather than stable operation. The most recent test on 2026-06-01 was passed at 110,238 miles, yet subsequent failures on 2026-05-22 and 2025-06-02 confirm that the vehicle has deteriorated significantly over the past two years. This rapid decline suggests that basic upkeep was skipped or that the vehicle has been driven in a way that accelerates wear on critical components. The failure on 2025-06-02 is particularly concerning, as it involves a series of structural issues including a corroded inner sill, anti-lock braking system warnings, and brake pad wear, all of which indicate that the vehicle is no longer in a safe condition for long-term use. The mileage pattern reveals a stark contrast between the vehicle's age and its operational history. The 1997 Forester is approximately 29 years old, yet it has accumulated only about 3,801 miles per year, which is considered low for such an old model. This suggests that the vehicle has been maintained for a long period, but the maintenance record is inconsistent; it has failed multiple times on the same components without addressing them, indicating that the owner has not performed a comprehensive check-up. The absence of a clear gap between the 2025 and 2026 tests, despite the significant mileage increase, implies that the owner may have been careless about routine inspections, a common risk factor for vehicle failure in this age group. Given the recurring faults and the structural integrity issues observed, the buyer must inspect the vehicle in person for binding brakes, binding rear brakes, and corrosion on the inner sill. The history shows that the front headlamps and position lamps are not working, and the anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault, which requires immediate attention. The underbody and brake pipes are undersealed, and the front registration plate has deteriorated, suggesting that the vehicle's structural integrity has been compromised. A buyer should not assume that a PASSED MOT is a guarantee of safety; the history of multiple failures on the same components and the presence of structural rust and corrosion make the vehicle a high-risk asset for inspection.