2012 Subaru Impreza 2.5L Petrol · YN12 KFG

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the most recent inspection indicates a significant lapse in maintenance standards. While the Subaru passed its test in April 2026 at 73,538 miles, it had failed just one day prior at the same mileage. This failure involved poor brake efficiency, excessive carbon monoxide emissions, and incorrect headlamp aim. The fact that these issues were addressed and rectified within twenty-four hours suggests a reactive approach to maintenance, responding only to testing failures rather than following a preventative service schedule. The mileage profile is notably low for a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,253 miles per year. This suggests light use or long periods of inactivity. Between the April 2025 test at 67,712 miles and the April 2026 test, the car covered 5,826 miles, which aligns with the historical annual average. Such consistent low usage often leads to age-related degradation of rubber components, perished seals, and potentially seized brake calipers, which may explain the service brake efficiency failure recorded in the 2026 test. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking system to ensure the recent efficiency issue was fully resolved and not merely masked. Check for uneven wear on the brake discs and signs of binding in the rear drums or calipers. The carbon monoxide failure warrants a check of the engine health, specifically looking for oxygen sensor faults or exhaust manifold leaks that could lead to incomplete combustion. Given the low mileage, also inspect the chassis and suspension mounting points for structural corrosion or perished bushings, which frequently affect vehicles that sit stationary for extended periods.