2013 Subaru XV 2.0L Diesel · BV63 GPZ

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a worsening trend regarding suspension and steering components. The most recent test in November 2025 at 63,497 miles passed, yet it flagged an offside front lower suspension arm ball joint with slight play. This follows a failure in November 2024 where the steering rack showed play and perished lower arm bushes were identified. While the vehicle passes its tests, the recurring issues in the front-end geometry require proactive attention. At 13 years old, the Subaru has covered a low mileage of 63,497 miles, averaging approximately 4,900 miles per year. This low usage often leads to the degradation of rubber components through age rather than mechanical wear from distance. The record supports this, as the 2022 test noted cracking and perishing tyres, and the 2024 test identified perished rubber bushes. The mileage accumulation between annual tests is consistent, suggesting the car is used regularly, but the long periods of standing may have contributed to the dry-rott of seals and bushings. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension to assess the extent of the play reported in the steering rack and ball joints. The steering rack issue mentioned in two consecutive years is a potential high-cost repair that needs monitoring to see if it progresses. Attention should also be paid to the braking system, as the 2024 failure noted thin rear pads, and the exhaust system to ensure the minor leak identified in 2023 has been fully rectified. Checking the tyres for sidewall cracking is essential as the history shows a pattern of age-related degradation despite the low mileage.