2008 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · CX08 UPN

The 2026‑01‑29 MOT at 181,872 miles passed, confirming current roadworthiness despite a non‑functional rear registration lamp. This outcome represents a clear improvement over the 2026‑01‑19 failure at 181,744 miles, which recorded multiple defects including engine malfunction indicators, inoperative lamps, incorrect headlamp aim, and severe corrosion of suspension mounting areas. Earlier passes show no major recurring issues, indicating a positive maintenance trend. The mileage record spans 18 years and 181,872 miles, averaging about 10,104 miles per year, which aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The two consecutive January 2026 tests differed by only 128 miles, suggesting recent driving activity. Earlier intervals, such as the jump from 156,419 miles on 2022‑12‑22 to 164,701 miles on 2024‑01‑03, reveal periods of accelerated mileage accumulation, but overall the progression remains steady without prolonged stationary gaps. A buyer should inspect the suspension components flagged repeatedly, including the offside rear inner suspension mounting area and offside front lower suspension arm ball joint, both of which showed excessive wear or corrosion. Structural rust on the sill and wheel‑arch strut top mountings warrants close examination, as does the condition of brake pipes and rear brake assemblies, which have exhibited corrosion and binding issues. Tyre wear patterns indicate edge wear and near‑legal limits, so tread depth and alignment should be verified. Addressing these areas will reveal whether the vehicle’s recent improvement reflects genuine remedial work or merely temporary compliance.