2004 Subaru Outback 3.0L Petrol · YT54 AAO

The latest MOT on 4 September 2025, at 143,881 miles, was a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded. That outcome came just six days after a failure on 29 August 2025 at 143,869 miles, where the record also shows no defects logged – an unusual entry, but the swift rectification and subsequent pass indicates the fault was minor and has been cleared. Across the full five-test history, there are no recurring faults, no structural warnings, and no corrosion or suspension advisories. The maintenance trend is stable, with no evidence of worsening mechanical condition over the past three years. The mileage pattern shows a slightly inconsistent use profile. Between the October 2022 test at 122,466 miles and September 2023 at 123,025 miles, the car covered only 559 miles in almost a year – a sign it may have sat idle or enjoyed very light use during that period. That was followed by a more typical 11,178 miles in the next year, then 9,678 miles over the eleven months leading to the 2025 test. The overall average is roughly 6,540 miles per year, which is normal for a 22-year-old vehicle, but the 2022–2023 low-mileage gap suggests the car may have been parked for a spell, so oil condition and tyre age deserve attention. Given that every recent MOT has passed with no advisories, the car appears mechanically sound on paper. However, a clean braking or suspension record at this age does not guarantee component health. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on suspension bushes and coil springs, binding calipers, brake disc wear, and any signs of creeping corrosion in the sills, wheel arches, or subframe. The lack of recorded advisories means a buyer cannot rely on the MOT to flag consumable wear, so checking the condition of tyres, wiper blades, and the exhaust system at a physical viewing is still necessary. As a 2004 Subaru with 143,881 miles, the history shows conscientious testing, but the low-usage year leaves some question marks about consistent maintenance.