2008 Subaru Justy 1.0L Petrol · HF58 HDJ

The Subaru Justy presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 26 September 2025 at 73,262 miles, resulted in a pass, but only after an initial failure on the same day. That failure was triggered by a non-functioning nearside stop lamp, a straightforward electrical defect that was rectified before the retest. However, the tester flagged persistent advisories on both front brake hose ferrules showing slight corrosion, alongside a severely deteriorated offside front CV joint boot leaking grease. These are not new defects; the corroded brake hoses and the perished CV boot were both noted in the failed test and carried over as advisories in the pass, indicating the owner chose to repair the lamp rather than address the deteriorating rubber components. The trend is one of deferred minor maintenance rather than catastrophic mechanical failure. The mileage pattern tells a story of very light use that has recently accelerated. Between the August 2022 test at 38,300 miles and the September 2023 test at 47,551 miles, the car covered 9,251 miles in a single year. That jumped to 11,825 miles between September 2023 and September 2024, before a dramatic slowdown to just 13,886 miles over the following twelve months leading to September 2025. The current recorded mileage of 73,262 miles is exceptionally low for an 18-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 4,070 miles annually. The recent spike in usage after a period of apparent dormancy is significant, as infrequently driven vehicles often suffer from deteriorated rubber seals, stale fuel, and corroded brake components due to lack of use rather than wear. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension and braking system. The September 2024 test flagged both front Macpherson struts as corroded, though not seriously weakened at that time. Given the age of the vehicle, that surface corrosion will have progressed, and the struts should be checked for oil weeping indicating failed damping. The recurring advisory regarding corroded brake hose ferrules is a concern; while the hoses passed their current test, corrosion at the metal fittings suggests the rubber is aging and may be due for replacement to prevent a sudden rupture under pressure. The leaking offside CV boot is a critical item. If the joint has been running dry of grease for any length of time, it will be contaminated with road grit and moisture, leading to excessive wear and eventual clicking under load. The joint should be inspected for play, and the boot replaced with a full grease repack if the joint is still serviceable. The braking system requires a thorough check beyond the hose condition. The August 2022 test noted worn and pitted front brake discs alongside thin pads, yet the subsequent tests in 2023 and 2024 recorded no brake-related defects. This suggests the discs and pads were replaced around late 2022 or early 2023, which is positive. However, the current advisories on the brake hoses mean the system's hydraulic integrity remains a watch point. Tyre wear has been a recurring theme, with both front tyres worn to the legal limit and showing edge wear in September 2024, suggesting possible tracking misalignment or underinflation. A buyer should verify the current tyre condition and check for uneven wear patterns that could point to neglected suspension geometry.