2008 Subaru Justy 1.0L Petrol · FE08 UGH

The Subaru Justy presents a mixed maintenance picture with a recent MOT pass in January 2026 at 60,957 miles, but the record reveals a pattern of recurring wear and minor structural deterioration that a buyer should approach with caution. The most recent test on 29 January 2026 flagged front brake pads wearing thin, a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit, and both rear tyres showing cracking or perishing. On the same day, a separate failure identified an excessively worn offside front suspension arm ball joint and a non-functioning nearside rear stop lamp. These advisories suggest basic upkeep was reactive rather than proactive, with tyre condition and a critical suspension component left to deteriorate to the point of failure. The mileage pattern is notably low for an 18-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 3,386 miles per year. The record shows a gap between February 2025 at 52,764 miles and January 2026 at 60,957 miles, representing an accumulation of approximately 8,193 miles in under 12 months. This is a significant increase compared to the vehicle's historical usage and may indicate a change in ownership or a shift to more regular driving. Prior to this, the mileage progression was sparse, with only 333 miles added between the January 2024 and February 2025 tests, suggesting the car may have stood idle for extended periods. A buyer inspecting this vehicle in person should pay close attention to the front suspension, particularly the nearside ball joint and the condition of the suspension arm bushes, given the excessive wear flagged in the January 2026 failure. The rear axle beam front mounts were noted as starting to split and perish in both the 2024 and 2025 tests, and this deterioration may have progressed. The 2025 test also highlighted corrosion to brake pipes, suspension, and steering components, along with worn rear axle swivel pins and bushes. A thorough underside inspection for structural rust and component integrity is essential, especially around the rear axle mounting points and along the brake lines. The braking system requires particular scrutiny. Front brake pads were wearing thin in January 2026, and the 2025 test flagged a corroded offside front brake pipe. Combined with the advisory on brake pedal travel and general corrosion to braking components, this suggests the hydraulic system and friction materials have not been consistently maintained. Tyre condition across multiple tests indicates a neglect of basic consumable checks, with repeated advisories on tread depth and sidewall perishing. While the vehicle passed its most recent test, the accumulation of minor faults and the presence of a failed suspension ball joint point to a car that has been driven hard in short bursts rather than carefully maintained over its life.