2008 Subaru Impreza 1.5L Petrol · GV08 CXO

The 2008 Subaru Impreza holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 28 October 2024 at 114,050 miles, following an initial failure on 25 October 2024. That failure revealed a fractured offside rear coil spring and an insecure front bumper, both rectified before the retest. The maintenance trend is currently stable but shows a pattern of recurring suspension wear. Rear suspension arm pin or bush wear appeared as an advisory in both the failed and passed October 2024 tests, indicating a persistent issue that has not worsened to the point of causing excessive movement. The 2023 test at 107,470 miles flagged slight play in the offside front track rod end ball joint and severely deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage dust covers on both front sides, suggesting front-end components have been degrading over multiple test cycles. The mileage progression is broadly consistent with typical use for an eighteen-year-old vehicle. From 100,437 miles recorded on 10 August 2021, the car reached 103,905 miles by 25 August 2022, then 107,470 miles by 30 August 2023, before jumping to 114,050 miles by October 2024. That final interval of roughly 6,580 miles over fourteen months represents a noticeable uptick in usage compared to the earlier pace of approximately 3,500 miles per year. No significant gaps in the MOT record are evident, with annual tests documented from 2021 through 2024. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the rear suspension area. The repeated advisory for worn rear suspension arm pins or bushes across both October 2024 tests warrants close examination of the rear trailing arms, lateral links, and associated bushings for play or deterioration. The previously fractured offside rear coil spring should be checked for any signs of cracking or sag, and the remaining springs inspected for matching condition. Front-end components also deserve attention. The 2023 advisories for track rod end ball joint play and perished anti-roll bar linkage dust covers suggest the steering and front suspension linkages may need renewal. A thorough underbody inspection for corrosion around suspension mounting points and subframes is advisable, particularly given the vehicle's age and the structural deformation advisory noted on the offside rear integral body structure in 2023. Brake pads were flagged as wearing thin in both axles during the 2021 test, so pad and disc condition should be verified, along with caliper operation to rule out binding.