2018 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · BU68 HXF

The Subaru Forester presents a broadly stable mechanical picture, passing every MOT on record without a single failure. The most recent test on 16 September 2025 at 41,445 miles yielded two advisories for cracking and perishing on both rear tyre sidewalls. This is not a new problem. It is a recurring pattern. Tyre condition has appeared as an advisory in four of the last five tests, dating back to May 2023 when the tester noted all four tyres were slightly cracking. That trend has persisted across different mileage points and seasons, suggesting the vehicle may have spent extended periods stationary, leading to sidewall degradation from ozone exposure and load deformation rather than tread wear from use. The mileage accumulation tells a consistent story. From April 2022 at 25,775 miles to September 2025 at 41,445 miles, the vehicle covered 15,670 miles in roughly three and a half years, averaging around 4,477 miles annually. That remains below the typical UK average of 7,000 to 8,000 miles per year for a vehicle of this class. The increments between tests are steady and unremarkable, with no sudden jumps or suspicious gaps that would suggest odometer tampering or prolonged periods off the road. The annual distance has been gradual and believable for a lightly used vehicle. Buyers should focus their physical inspection on the tyres first. The repeated sidewall cracking advisories across multiple test dates indicate the rubber compound has been deteriorating for at least three years. Check the date codes on all four tyres and the spare if fitted. Tyres older than six years, regardless of remaining tread depth, should be replaced. Beyond the tyres, examine the underside for corrosion on suspension mounting points, brake pipe runs, and the rear subframe area, as low-mileage vehicles that stand for long periods can develop localised surface rust that may not yet constitute an MOT failure but could become a structural concern. The front washer advisory from March 2025 was minor, but verify the washer jets are operational and the reservoir is free from blockages. Brake components, including discs, pads, and calipers, deserve close inspection given the low mileage, as infrequent use can lead to uneven disc corrosion and binding conditions that may not always trigger an MOT advisory.