2016 Subaru Outback 2.0L Diesel · DC65 AFK

The Subaru Outback presents as a fundamentally sound vehicle with a stable mechanical trend, having passed its most recent MOT on 13 June 2025 at 68,601 miles. That same day saw an initial failure for a smeared offside wiper blade and insecure battery, both rectified before the afternoon retest. Advisories for slight play in the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint and thin rear inner brake pads were carried forward from the previous year, indicating these are low-priority wear items being monitored rather than escalating defects. The 2024 test at 55,541 miles flagged thin front pads, which were clearly replaced before the 2025 visit, showing consumable upkeep is being addressed. Mileage accumulation tells a clear story of consistent use. The car covered roughly 6,300 miles between July 2022 and June 2023, then about 5,300 miles in the following year, before jumping sharply by 13,060 miles between June 2024 and June 2025. That spike suggests heavier recent use, possibly longer commutes or a sustained period of motorway driving, which places fresh demand on braking components and suspension bushes. The 13-month gap between the 2025 test and today's date of 17 June 2026 means the current MOT is imminent, so a buyer must verify whether a fresh certificate has been issued or whether the car has been sitting unused. A buyer's physical inspection should focus on the front lower suspension linkage, where the tester noted slight play in the offside anti-roll bar ball joint across both 2025 tests. This joint should be checked for progressive wear, as excessive play will eventually trigger a failure. Rear brake pads were flagged as thin at the last test, so the nearside and offside rear calipers and discs need examination for remaining lining thickness and any scoring or lipping on the disc faces. The 2022 advisory for cracking or perishing rear tyres is a useful benchmark: if the current rubber is original or similarly aged, sidewall degradation and tread condition must be assessed carefully. Finally, the battery securing bracket and terminal condition warrant a visual check, given the repeated advisory for an insecure battery across both 2025 tests.