2018 Subaru XV 2.0L Petrol · FE68 YKJ

The Subaru XV presents a generally sound mechanical picture, though the most recent MOT on 23 September 2025 at 20,967 miles flagged several items that suggest deferred attention to consumable components. The tester noted front brake discs worn, pitted or scored, front brake pads wearing thin, and all four tyres showing slight damage, cracking or perishing. These advisories cluster around braking and tyre condition rather than structural or suspension faults, indicating a maintenance trend that has shifted from the clean bills of health seen in 2023 and 2024 toward emerging wear that a diligent owner would typically address before the next test. The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the pattern implies basic upkeep may have slipped in the last year. The mileage profile is notably low for an eight-year-old vehicle. Between the first recorded test on 20 September 2022 at 10,243 miles and the most recent on 23 September 2025 at 20,967 miles, the car covered just 10,724 miles over three years, averaging roughly 3,575 miles annually. The jump from 7,995 miles on 27 September 2021 to 10,243 miles by 20 September 2022 shows a modest increase, but the subsequent years reveal very light use. Such low annual mileage can preserve mechanical components but also raises the risk of deterioration from prolonged standing, particularly in rubber bushes, seals, and tyres, which age regardless of use. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front braking system and the condition of all four tyres. The pitted and scored front discs flagged in September 2025 suggest the vehicle may have sat for extended periods, allowing surface corrosion to develop on the disc faces. Check whether the scoring has progressed to deep grooves that would compromise braking efficiency or require disc replacement. Inspect the tyre sidewalls closely for cracking or perishing, as all four were flagged, and verify the manufacture date codes to confirm whether the rubber has aged beyond safe service life despite adequate tread depth. Beyond the flagged items, examine the underside for corrosion on suspension components, brake lines, and exhaust fixings, as low-mileage vehicles that stand for long periods can develop surface rust in areas that would normally be self-cleaning through regular use. Check the operation of the offside front wiper motor and linkage, given the split blade noted in 2022, and confirm the screen wash system functions correctly. The clean MOT records from 2021 through 2024 provide reasonable confidence in the vehicle's baseline condition, but the 2025 advisories warrant a thorough hands-on assessment before purchase.