2010 Subaru Forester Xsnavplus Boxerd 2.0L Diesel · SV60 AAZ

The Subaru Forester’s MOT history presents an unusual but consistent pattern: it has passed and failed twice in rapid succession on both occasions it was tested—once in October 2022 at 163,354 miles and again in August 2021 at 149,815 miles. Neither test recorded any defects, which strongly suggests the failures were administrative, likely due to expired tax or a missing document rather than mechanical issues. The most recent valid MOT, from October 2022, remains over three years old as of July 2026, meaning the vehicle has been operating without a formal roadworthiness inspection for a prolonged period. This absence of defects in the official record does not, however, absolve the car of natural wear—especially given its age and mileage—but it does indicate no major structural or safety-critical failures were identified during those tests. The Forester’s mileage accumulation aligns closely with typical usage for its age, averaging around 10,210 miles per year over its 16-year lifespan. The recorded mileage jumps—from 136,855 miles in October 2020 to 149,815 miles in August 2021 (a 13,000-mile increase in under a year) and then to 163,354 miles by October 2022 (another 13,500 miles in roughly the same period)—suggest consistent, moderate driving rather than sporadic or heavy use. The lack of further MOT entries beyond October 2022 is notable, particularly given the vehicle’s age, and raises questions about whether it has been kept in regular service or if ownership has changed hands without transferring maintenance records. Given the clean MOT history but the extended gap since the last test, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of components prone to silent degradation in older vehicles. The suspension—particularly the coil springs, anti-roll bars, and bushings—should be checked for wear or corrosion, as these are common failure points in high-mileage Subarus and can compromise handling. Brakes, including calipers, pads, and discs, must be assessed for uneven wear or binding, especially since the last MOT predates the current test date by over three years. Structural integrity is another critical area: the sills, wheel arches, and underbody should be examined for corrosion, as Subarus from this era can develop rust in high-moisture environments. Finally, while the MOT record shows no advisories, the exhaust system and emissions components should be verified for leaks or excessive backpressure, which can indicate neglected maintenance. The absence of defects in the MOT history is reassuring, but the prolonged period without a test means some wear cannot be verified. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is strongly advised to confirm the vehicle’s current condition, particularly in light of its age and the lack of recent formal assessment.