2015 Subaru Forester 2.0L Diesel · AE65 OKC

The 2015 Subaru Forester holds a current MOT pass but exhibits a clearly worsening maintenance trajectory over the past two years. The December 2025 test at 70,181 miles returned eight separate advisories, marking a sharp departure from the clean records issued in late 2022 and late 2023. The tester noted an inoperative offside rear registration plate lamp alongside multiple worn suspension arm bushes on both front axles. These suspension defects require immediate attention before they progress into excessive movement or control arm failure. The advisory count has escalated steadily since the first tyre damage warning appeared in December 2024, indicating that routine component replacement was deferred rather than addressed promptly. Recorded usage aligns closely with typical annual driving expectations, averaging approximately 6,380 miles per year across its eleven year lifespan. The odometer progression shows consistent accumulation without sudden jumps or prolonged standing periods. Between December 2022 and November 2023, the vehicle covered roughly 7,000 miles before remaining static for twelve months. The subsequent twelve month intervals show steady increments of 6,000 to 7,000 miles each, confirming regular highway and urban commuting rather than extended storage. This consistent usage pattern suggests normal wear distribution across drivetrain and chassis components, though it does not excuse the deferred upkeep evident in the recent test history. A physical inspection must prioritise the front suspension arms and all four wheel positions. The repeated tyre advisories spanning consecutive tests point to chronic underinflation or misalignment issues that accelerate sidewall degradation and edge wear. Measure tread depth across all corners and check for uneven scrubbing patterns that indicate worn tracking arms or damaged camber plates. The suspension bushes flagged in the latest report warrant direct tactile verification, as degraded rubber allows unwanted play during cornering and braking. Verify the offside rear number plate circuit independently, as electrical faults often stem from corroded bulkhead connectors rather than simple bulb failures. Address these items before committing to purchase, as deferred suspension and tyre maintenance will quickly compromise handling stability and increase running costs.