1999 SUBARU FORESTER2.0L PETROL

This 1999 Subaru Forester last failed its MOT on 27 March 2019 at 272,856 miles, and no subsequent test record exists. That failure was extensive, covering lighting, seatbelts, steering, brakes, tyres, and significant corrosion. The absence of any MOT since June 2019 means the vehicle has been untested for over seven years. Without a current certificate, its roadworthiness status is unknown, and the maintenance trend cannot be assessed beyond that final failure. The mileage progression shows a steady annual accumulation of roughly 10,000 miles, consistent with typical use for a vehicle of this age. Between April 2016 and March 2019, the recorded miles rose from 236,167 to 272,856, a gain of 36,689 miles in three years. The gap between the last pass in April 2017 and the failure in March 2019 is unremarkable, but the complete absence of any test record after March 2019 raises questions about whether the car has been used, stored, or abandoned since then. The 2019 failure flagged a rear sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened, which is a structural integrity concern rather than a minor advisory. Front and rear suspension arms were also corroded, though not seriously weakened at that time, and all rear suspension arm bushes were cracked, split, and perished. A buyer should inspect the sub-frame, suspension mounting points, and underbody thoroughly for advanced corrosion, particularly if the vehicle has stood exposed to weather for several years. Brake pipes and the fuel filler neck were noted as heavily corroded, and the rear brake pipe near the joining block was corroded and contaminated, suggesting hydraulic system integrity may be compromised. Beyond corrosion, the 2019 test identified a missing nearside steering rack gaiter and play in the inner joint, meaning the rack has been exposed to dirt and moisture. Front brake discs were worn and pitted, both front seatbelts were frayed, and the headlamp levelling device was inoperative with defective reflectors. Tyres were worn to the legal limit on the front and rear. Any pre-purchase inspection should prioritise a full suspension and steering check, brake system pressure test, and underbody assessment for structural corrosion before the vehicle is driven on public roads.