2008 Subaru Justy 1.0L Petrol · DG08 FDL

The Subaru Justy currently holds a valid MOT issued on 30 April 2026 at 105,497 miles, but the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. That pass came just two days after a serious failure on 28 April 2026 at 105,488 miles, where the tester flagged corroded inner sills and floor sections on both sides to the point where structural rigidity was significantly reduced. The car also failed on excessively worn front suspension ball joints, worn front brake discs and pads below 1.5 mm, high CO emissions at idle, and corroded rear brake pipes. The fact that it passed two days later suggests only the most urgent items were addressed, while the advisories for corroded brake pipes and an oil leak remain unresolved. This pattern points to reactive rather than preventative maintenance. The mileage profile is unusual for an 18-year-old vehicle. At roughly 5,861 miles per year, it sits well below the UK average. The record shows 90,941 miles in February 2024, 99,948 miles by February 2025, and 105,497 miles by April 2026, meaning about 14,500 miles were covered in the most recent 14-month period after several years of lighter use. The jump from 99,948 to 105,497 miles in just over a year suggests either a change in ownership or a significant shift in usage pattern. The gap between the 2025 and 2026 tests is roughly 12 months, which is consistent with annual testing, but the acceleration in mileage is notable. A buyer should inspect the front subframe, inner sills, and floor pans in person, particularly where the April 2026 tester marked corrosion with yellow chalk. Structural corrosion that reduces rigidity is a serious concern on any vehicle, and on a small car like the Justy it can compromise crash protection and suspension mounting points. The front lower suspension arm ball joints were excessively worn and the dust covers were perished at the most recent failure, so check for clunking, uneven tyre wear, and play in the front end. The front brake discs were pitted and scored and the pads were below minimum thickness, meaning braking performance may still be compromised if the same components were refitted rather than replaced. The rear brake pipes remain corroded and coated in grease or other material, which is an ongoing advisory from the latest pass. This is a hydraulic safety item that can lead to sudden brake fluid loss if the corrosion penetrates the pipe wall. The oil leak flagged at the same test should be traced to its source, whether that is a rocker cover gasket, camshaft seal, or oil cooler line. The high CO reading at idle on the failed test suggests a combustion issue, possibly related to ignition timing, valve clearances, or a failing catalytic converter, and this should be verified with a four-gas emissions analyser. The electronic power steering failure recorded in February 2025 also warrants investigation, as intermittent EPS faults can leave the driver without assistance without warning.