2016 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · BV66 VBF

The 2016 Subaru Forester holds a current MOT pass issued on 16 October 2025 at 74,863 miles, yet the maintenance trend over the preceding two years is clearly worsening. The most recent test cycle saw the car fail on 16 October 2025 at the same recorded mileage of 74,863 miles before passing later that day, with advisories for front brake pads wearing thin, play in the offside front steering rack inner joint, and a severely deteriorated offside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover. Headlamp aim faults also appeared on the failure notice. Comparing this to the clean pass recorded on 17 October 2023 at 60,843 miles, the vehicle has accumulated notable suspension and steering defects within a relatively short window, suggesting wear has accelerated or remedial work has been reactive rather than preventative. The mileage accumulation of roughly 7,500 miles per year sits squarely within typical use for a ten-year-old vehicle, so the age and distance are not inherently concerning. The record shows a jump of 6,740 miles between October 2023 and October 2024, followed by a further 7,280 miles by October 2025, indicating consistent annual use rather than long periods of dormancy. The MOT history itself is reasonably well documented with annual tests, though the repeated failures in October 2024 and October 2025 at nearly identical recorded mileages raises a question about whether the mileage was accurately captured or whether the vehicle saw concentrated use in short bursts between test dates. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension and steering components given the recurring pattern of defects. The nearside front lower suspension arm bush was flagged as excessively worn in October 2024 at 67,501 miles, and by October 2025 the offside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover had deteriorated severely, suggesting both sides of the front end are now showing age-related wear. Play in the offside front steering rack inner joint at the most recent test is a finding that demands immediate attention, as unchecked play can accelerate tyre wear and compromise steering precision. Front brake pads were noted as wearing thin at 74,863 miles, so disc condition and remaining pad material should be verified. The headlamp aim faults, while often a simple adjustment, can sometimes indicate accident damage or suspension sag affecting ride height. Finally, given the Subaru boxer engine layout, any inspection should include a thorough check for oil leaks around the cam covers and manifold gaskets, as these are common on higher-mileage examples and are not always captured in MOT records.