2018 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · BX18 VUS

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 27 February 2026 at 54,135 miles, but only after failing the same day with critical brake wear and low fluids—indicating the repairs were made immediately prior to retest. This pattern of last-minute fixes, combined with recurring advisories over three consecutive tests, shows a maintenance trend that is worsening, not improving. The brake pads were down to 1.1 mm, well below the 1.5 mm legal minimum, and the rear disc showed significant surface damage, suggesting prolonged neglect of brake servicing. The recorded mileage of 54,135 over eight years equates to roughly 6,767 miles annually, which is typical for a family vehicle. However, the gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests saw a 5,100-mile increase, while the jump from 2025 to 2026 was only 615 miles—this suggests the car may have been driven heavily in a short window, then largely unused. The absence of any MOT between March 2021 and February 2024 is a red flag; three years without testing raises legitimate concerns about unreported damage, fluid leaks, or structural issues that may have gone unchecked. A buyer must inspect the rear brake system thoroughly—both pads and discs need replacement, and the caliper operation should be checked for binding. The constant velocity boots on the nearside front drive shaft have been flagged as severely deteriorated in all three recent tests; this is a known failure point on Subarus and must be replaced before the joint seizes. The suspension components are equally concerning: both front lower ball joint dust covers are split, allowing dirt ingress and accelerating wear, while the anti-roll bar bushes are already worn. The tyre pressure monitoring system has failed twice, and front tyres have consistently shown edge wear, indicating misalignment or worn suspension geometry. There is no record of corrosion advisories, but given the age and the fact the car was left untested for three years, a full underbody inspection for rust around wheel arches, sills, and subframes is essential.