2015 Subaru Outback 2.0L Diesel · BV65 JZK

The Subaru Outback presents as a fundamentally sound vehicle with a long, largely clean MOT record, though the most recent test in September 2025 at 85,275 miles flagged a cluster of tyre defects that breaks an otherwise stable trend. The tester recorded perishing and multiple cracking on the offside rear tyre, along with both front tyres worn to between 1.9mm and 2.6mm, placing them dangerously close to the 1.6mm legal minimum. These are not structural or mechanical failures, but they do indicate that basic consumable upkeep was neglected in the months leading up to that test. Prior to 2025, the car passed five consecutive annual tests without a single defect, suggesting a period of consistent maintenance that has since slipped. The mileage progression tells a straightforward story. From September 2021 at 63,912 miles to September 2025 at 85,275 miles, the car accumulated 21,363 miles over four years, averaging roughly 5,340 miles annually. That is below the already typical figure of around 7,752 miles per year implied by the car's age, pointing to lighter use or possibly extended periods of standing. There are no anomalous jumps or gaps in the record to suggest odometer tampering or sudden high-mileage spells. The annual testing pattern itself is regular and predictable, with each test falling within a few days of the anniversary, which supports a consistent ownership pattern. A buyer should focus the in-person inspection on the tyres and the condition of the underbody. The perishing noted on the offside rear tyre in 2025 raises questions about how the car was stored and whether the remaining tyres are also deteriorating from age rather than simple wear. Check the date codes on all four tyres, including the spare if fitted, and look for sidewall cracking, uneven tread wear, or bulging that could point to suspension or alignment issues not yet flagged by an MOT. Given the car's age and the typical Subaru Outback usage pattern, inspect the subframes, sills, and suspension mounting points for corrosion, particularly around the rear trailing arm areas and front lower arms. The clean record on brakes and emissions across multiple tests is reassuring, but a road test should still confirm that the handbrake holds on a gradient and that the car tracks straight under braking, as binding calipers or worn bushes can develop between annual tests without triggering an advisory until they become severe.