2008 Subaru Legacy 2.0L Petrol · BL08 XHO

The vehicle remains roadworthy as of its most recent MOT on 2021-11-05, with no defects recorded at 171,010 miles. The maintenance trend shows a clear improvement since the 2019 failure, where multiple anti-roll bar and suspension bushings were flagged alongside corroded brake discs and worn tyres. Since then, no structural or safety-critical faults have reappeared, suggesting the previous issues were addressed and the car has been maintained to a basic standard. The absence of recent failures indicates the owner has kept up with essential servicing, though the high mileage and age mean wear on consumables remains inevitable. The recorded mileage of 171,010 miles over 18 years equates to roughly 9,500 miles per year, which is within the typical range for a vehicle of this age. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history, with tests occurring annually and consistently at the same time of year, suggesting regular use and consistent monitoring. The jump from 132,164 miles in 2018 to 154,598 miles in 2020 and then to 171,010 miles in 2021 reflects steady annual usage without sudden spikes or long periods of inactivity. This pattern supports the view that the car has been driven regularly, not stored, and that the wear observed is proportional to its age and usage. Buyers should inspect the suspension components closely, particularly the anti-roll bar joints and suspension arm bushes, as these were repeatedly flagged between 2018 and 2019. While no recent tests have flagged these, the history suggests these parts are prone to wear and may require replacement soon. The rear brake discs were corroded in 2019 and again noted as worn in 2020, so a visual and functional check of the braking system is essential. Tyre condition should be verified, as nearside and offside rear tyres were close to legal limit in 2018 and remain high-mileage, indicating potential need for replacement. The front windscreen crack and headlight water ingress are cosmetic or minor, but should be noted for potential repair costs. Structural integrity should be assessed for rust, especially around sills and wheel arches, as corrosion was noted in earlier tests and is common in older Subarus. The absence of recent advisories on rust or structural damage is reassuring, but a thorough visual inspection is still warranted. The vehicle’s mechanical health appears stable in the short term, but the cumulative wear on suspension, brakes, and tyres means a buyer should budget for imminent replacements of these components. The car is not currently unsafe, but its age and mileage demand a realistic understanding of ongoing maintenance costs.