2015 Subaru Forester 2.0L Diesel · AF65 XRL

The most recent DVSA examination on 26 June 2026 resulted in a Pass, which immediately followed a Fail just two days earlier on 24 June 2026. The failure was attributed to a fractured offside rear coil spring, a major structural and safety defect that was rectified prior to the subsequent pass, while the front brake disc and rear anti-roll bar D-bush advisories were carried forward from the failure onto the pass certificate. The earlier test in June 2025 also showed a pass following a fail, with the earlier failure centring on an inoperative horn and an illuminated engine management indicator lamp, both of which were subsequently addressed. Over the four-year MOT history presented, there are no repeat advisories on the same components year after year, but the suspension and brake sub-systems have featured consistently, with front lower arm bushes noted in 2021, nearside front suspension arm rear bush and front tyre wear in 2022, rear brake pad wear in 2023 and 2024, and now coil spring fracture and anti-roll bar bush wear in 2026. This indicates a generally maintained vehicle with isolated component failures rather than a chronic or worsening pattern of neglect. The recorded mileage of 81,840 miles across eleven years equates to an average annual mileage of approximately 7,440 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and suggests steady, moderate use rather than either severe high-mileage accumulation or extended periods of standing. There is no evidence in the MOT record of any significant mileage gaps or sudden jumps between tests, with annual accumulation consistently in the 4,000 to 10,000 mile bracket. This pattern is mechanically favourable, as it implies regular running that keeps drivetrain, turbocharger (where fitted), brake, and exhaust components functional and prevents the calendar-based degradation issues commonly seen on low-use vehicles. However, given the moderate annual mileage, the wear items appearing on advisories remain entirely consistent with normal progressive component ageing. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the recurring suspension advisories, as the front lower arm bushes, the rear anti-roll bar D-bushes, and the now-replaced rear coil spring all point to an underlying wear pattern across the vehicle's suspension architecture. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front when traversing speed humps or uneven road surfaces, and for any rattling or creaking from the rear under load, particularly over undulating terrain. Body roll and vague handling through corners may indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, while a harsh, crashing impact from the rear could suggest the replacement spring has not been correctly matched or that neighbouring springs are nearing failure. Inspect the underside for any signs of fluid weeping from the shock absorbers and verify that all suspension components have been correctly torqued and re-checked after the recent spring replacement. The brake system requires a physical inspection, particularly of the front discs which have been flagged as pitted or scored on the latest MOT. While scored discs do not currently constitute a fail, they will progressively worsen and typically cause brake shudder, vibration through the steering wheel under heavy braking, and reduced efficiency in wet conditions. Request that the seller measure disc remaining thickness against the manufacturer minimum, and inspect the rear brake pads which have been flagged as wearing thin on two consecutive tests. Beyond the recorded MOT findings, an eleven-year-old vehicle warrants checks for tyre sidewall perishing and cracking due to age regardless of tread depth, 12V battery health and load test capacity, condition of all drive belts and the timing chain or belt service interval, and the state of brake fluid, coolant, and automatic or manual transmission fluid which degrade by calendar age rather than mileage. The timing belt replacement history on this Subaru Forester should be specifically verified, as Subaru petrol engines of this era typically require replacement at six-year or 90,000 mile intervals, and a missing or undocumented change represents a significant prospective expense. Confirm a complete service book stamp history with evidence of recent work addressing the rear coil spring, front brake discs, and rear brake pads.