2018 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0L Petrol · AY68 ETA

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT in May 2024, which is reassuring, but the test result highlights a specific area of mechanical wear that you should monitor. The tester issued advisories for both the nearside and offside front lower suspension arm rear bushes, noting that they are worn but not yet resulting in excessive movement. This suggests the suspension components are reaching the end of their service life and will likely require replacement soon to maintain handling precision. Looking back at the history, the car had a clean record in 2022 and 2023, aside from a single failure in May 2023 due to a rear fog lamp switch insecurity and a faulty bulb. This electrical issue was rectified on the same day, indicating a minor repair rather than a complex wiring fault. The emergence of suspension advisories in 2024, after years of clean passes, points to natural age-related deterioration rather than sudden damage or poor maintenance. The mileage of 91,382 miles is roughly typical for an 8-year-old vehicle, averaging about 11,400 miles per year. However, the usage pattern has changed recently, with the car covering only around 5,000 miles between the 2023 and 2024 tests compared to over 12,000 miles the year prior. This drop in annual mileage suggests the vehicle is currently being used lightly, which is consistent with its age but does not eliminate the wear accumulated during its earlier, higher-mileage years. The overall condition trend is stable but shifting from a clean bill of health to one requiring preventative maintenance.