2018 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · BN18 AAJ

The most recent MOT, carried out on 5 June 2026, was passed with no recorded defects, continuing a five‑year sequence of clean passes apart from a single advisory in 2022. The absence of new failures indicates that the vehicle’s overall maintenance record is stable and, if anything, improving, as the earlier shock‑absorber advisory has not re‑appeared in subsequent tests. With a recorded 60 006 miles on the odometer and a first registration in 2018, the Forester averages roughly 7 500 miles per annum. This usage rate sits comfortably within the normal band for a family SUV of its age and suggests the car has not been subjected to excessive short‑trip abuse or high‑speed highway wear. No large mileage gaps are evident in the MOT history, implying consistent use rather than prolonged periods of storage that can sometimes hide corrosion or battery deterioration. The 2022 advisory noted light oil misting from both rear shock absorbers. Although the issue has not been flagged again, a prospective buyer should inspect the rear suspension for any signs of oil on the shock bodies or surrounding components, listen for clunking or excessive bounce when the vehicle is driven over bumps, and watch for uneven rear tyre wear that can indicate deteriorating damping. A qualified mechanic should verify the condition of the shock absorber seals, check the integrity of the rear coil springs and bushings, and replace the shocks if any leakage or loss of ride quality is evident, as failure can lead to reduced handling confidence and accelerated tyre degradation. Given the car’s age and modest mileage, the buyer should also conduct a comprehensive visual and tactile inspection of age‑related items: examine all tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or loss of tread depth, especially if the vehicle has spent time standing; assess the 12 V battery for terminal corrosion and verify its charge hold, as batteries over eight years often require replacement; check for any surface rust on wheel arches, suspension mounts and under‑body panels that could indicate hidden corrosion; confirm that brake discs are free from heavy scoring or rust‑induced pitting and that calipers move smoothly without binding; and ensure that all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – have been changed within the manufacturer’s time‑based intervals, as fluids can degrade even with relatively low mileage. A full service history and recent oil change stamps will further reassure the buyer of the vehicle’s ongoing mechanical health.