2017 Subaru Forester 2.0L Diesel · AE17 OKK

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a concerning decline regarding suspension and steering components. While it passed its most recent test in March 2026 at 65,809 miles, the tester identified multiple mechanical defects that were not present in previous years. The presence of a worn offside front suspension arm bush and play in the nearside front steering arm indicates that front-end components are reaching the end of their service life, suggesting a reactive rather than proactive approach to mechanical upkeep. The mileage profile is consistent with a low-useage vehicle, averaging approximately 7,300 miles per year. There is a significant gap in records between March 2023 and April 2024, where the car covered roughly 9,000 miles, followed by a busier period of over 11,000 miles in the two years leading up to the 2026 test. This increase in usage correlates with the appearance of wear items, such as the pitted brake discs and suspension failures noted in the 2025 and 2026 tests. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension and steering geometry. The recurring reports of play in the steering arm and worn bushes suggest that the track rod ends and control arms may require immediate replacement to ensure handling stability. Furthermore, the 2025 failure for a fractured offside rear coil spring highlights that the suspension system is under stress, and the remaining springs should be checked for signs of corrosion or fatigue. The braking system shows signs of neglect, with pitting and scoring recorded on both front and rear discs across two consecutive years. This often results from long periods of inactivity or insufficient brake cleaning. Combined with the March 2026 advisory flagging front tyres as worn to the legal limit and unevenly worn, the vehicle likely requires a full alignment check to prevent premature wear on any new tyres.