2004 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · GL53 VNT

The 2004 Subaru Forester passed its most recent MOT on 19 March 2026 at 170,608 miles, but the maintenance trend over the preceding two years is clearly worsening. The February 2026 failure at 170,607 miles revealed significant structural corrosion on both nearside and rear suspension component mountings, a fractured rear anti-roll bar, and excessively worn front anti-roll bar bushes. These are not minor consumable items. The tester identified corrosion that substantially reduced structural strength, a serious concern on a vehicle of this age. The subsequent March pass came just one mile later, suggesting the owner addressed the failures reactively rather than through sustained upkeep. The advisory for a corroded brake pipe covered in grease or other material at that retest indicates the underlying corrosion issue was managed rather than properly resolved. The mileage pattern tells a story of very low recent use. Between the February 2025 failure at 164,011 miles and the February 2026 failure at 170,607 miles, the vehicle covered only 6,596 miles in twelve months. Yet in that short distance, it accumulated a catalogue of serious defects including a fractured anti-roll bar and structural corrosion. The annual average of roughly 7,755 miles over twenty-two years is typical, but the recent drop to under 7,000 miles per year suggests the car may have spent extended periods stationary. Prolonged standing accelerates corrosion of brake lines, suspension mountings, and subframes, which aligns precisely with the defects now appearing on this vehicle. A buyer should treat the suspension and corrosion findings as the primary concern. The rear anti-roll bar fractured between the 2025 and 2026 test cycles, and both rear suspension mounting points were flagged for excessive corrosion reducing structural strength. These are load-bearing areas, and any repair must involve proper welding or replacement rather than surface treatment. The front anti-roll bar bushes have appeared as advisories or failures in three consecutive tests dating back to March 2025, indicating persistent wear that has now escalated. Have a suspension specialist inspect the subframe, rear trailing arm mounts, and anti-roll bar links in person, checking for hidden corrosion behind protective coatings. The braking system also warrants close attention. Corroded brake pipes appeared in both the February 2026 failure and the March 2026 pass, with the tester noting contamination from grease or other material obscuring the full extent of the corrosion. Rear brake discs have been flagged as worn or pitted in two consecutive years. Combined with the low mileage and likely periods of standing, internal corrosion of calipers and seized handbrake mechanisms on the rear axle are a real possibility. A thorough inspection of the entire braking system, including flexible hoses and the handbrake cables, is essential before any purchase.