2002 Subaru Impreza 2.0L Petrol · DW02 AGE

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile with a clear trend of deteriorating structural and mechanical neglect. While it passed its most recent test in June 2023 at 197,159 miles, this record is now over three years lapsed, leaving the current safety status unverified. The history shows a significant failure in 2021 due to severe structural corrosion on the inner sills and wheel arches, indicating that the vehicle's structural integrity has been compromised by rust over time. At 197,159 miles over 24 years, the Subaru has averaged approximately 8,200 miles per year, which is consistent with typical usage for its age. However, the data shows a notable gap in testing between May 2021 and July 2022, where the car covered only 7,000 miles in over fourteen months. This pattern, combined with the recurring failures for worn tyres and suspension components, suggests a maintenance philosophy that reacts to faults only during an MOT test rather than performing proactive preventative care. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the vehicle's underbody. The 2021 failure identified corrosion that significantly reduced structural strength in the offside rear suspension mounting and inner arches; since the 2023 tester noted an offside lower plastic sill cover was fitted which obscured a full inspection, there is a high risk that this corrosion has progressed undetected. Furthermore, the recurring issues with worn lower arm bushes and trailing arm bushes across multiple years indicate that the suspension geometry is likely unstable and may soon require a comprehensive overhaul. The record also highlights a history of uneven tyre wear, which often points to persistent alignment issues or worn shocks. The front brake discs were flagged as pitted and scored in 2022, and given the high mileage and age of the car, the entire braking system should be checked for seized calipers or perished hoses. The combination of rust and a history of deferred suspension component replacement represents a high-risk investment for any buyer not prepared for significant mechanical repairs.