2009 Subaru Forester 2.0L Diesel · CE09 ODR

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a worsening trend of reactive rather than proactive care. While it passed the January 2026 test at 80,529 miles, the previous failure in December 2025 revealed significant mechanical neglect regarding the braking and exhaust systems. The transition from a clean record in May 2024 to multiple critical failure points in late 2025 suggests that components are only being addressed once they reach the point of legal failure. At 17 years old, the recorded mileage of 80,529 miles is notably low, averaging approximately 4,700 miles per year. However, the data shows a concerning lack of recent use between April 2023 (76,157 miles) and May 2024, where the vehicle covered only 215 miles in over a year. Such low mileage combined with long periods of standing often leads to degradation of rubber components and seized hardware, which aligns with the binding brakes and corrosion issues identified in the recent records. A buyer must conduct a close inspection of the braking system and exhaust assembly. The December 2025 test flagged a binding nearside rear caliper with a pad below the 1.5mm limit, alongside overheated rear discs and pitted front discs. The January 2026 report confirms corrosion at both rear exhaust joins and a minor leak, indicating the exhaust system is reaching the end of its structural life. Furthermore, the previous offside front suspension ball joint dust cover failure in 2024 should be re-checked to ensure no ingress of dirt has caused premature wear to the joint itself.