2004 Subaru Impreza 2.0L Petrol · DV04 HLG

The 2004 Subaru Impreza presents a mixed maintenance picture with a recent pass but a history of recurring structural and mechanical concerns. The most recent test on 2 December 2021 at 116,229 miles passed with only minor advisories for corrosion on the nearside rear wheel arch and condensation inside the rear lamp unit. However, the preceding failure on 23 November 2021 at 116,227 miles reveals a cluster of serious faults that were rectified just nine days later, including excessively worn suspension ball joints, split constant velocity boots, binding service brakes on both sides, and a damaged nearside rear tyre exposing cords. The maintenance trend is therefore difficult to characterise as stable. While the car passed on the second attempt, the nature of the defects suggests reactive rather than proactive upkeep, with multiple safety-critical items failing simultaneously before being addressed. The mileage pattern is unusual and warrants scrutiny. Between 3 December 2019 at 104,396 miles and 8 December 2020 at 110,325 miles, the car covered approximately 5,929 miles in twelve months. Yet from 8 December 2020 to 2 December 2021, the mileage increased by only 5,904 miles, and crucially the recorded mileage has remained static at 116,229 miles since the last test over four and a half years ago. This strongly suggests the vehicle has been sitting unused for an extended period. Prolonged standing can cause its own problems, including seized brakes, perished rubber bushes, degraded fuel, and moisture ingress into electrical components, all of which may not be fully apparent from the MOT record alone. A buyer should pay close attention to the structural integrity of the rear suspension mounting points. The December 2020 failure flagged excessive corrosion on both nearside and offside rear suspension component mountings, described as significantly reducing structural strength. Although the car passed in 2021, corrosion of this nature rarely resolves without intervention, and the wheel arch corrosion advisory from the most recent test suggests ongoing exposure to moisture. Inspect the rear subframe, suspension mounting points, and inner wing seams thoroughly for perforation or scaling, particularly if the car has been stored in damp conditions. The braking system also demands a careful check. Binding brakes appeared on both axles during the 2021 failure, and corroded rear brake pipes were flagged in the same year. Brake pads were noted as wearing thin in 2020. With the car now stationary for over four years, calipers may have seized, discs may have surface corrosion, and rubber hoses may have deteriorated. A test drive should assess whether the brakes release freely, whether the car pulls under braking, and whether there is any judder or uneven wear. The split offside rear constant velocity boot from the 2021 failure should also be verified as properly repaired, since a neglected joint will quickly fail and contaminate the transmission area with grease.