2004 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · HY04 LBK

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a worsening trajectory regarding the braking and suspension systems. While the most recent test in October 2025 at 97,050 miles passed, the tester flagged that the rear brakes barely met requirements. This represents a progression from the 2024 test where multiple brake hoses were noted as deteriorated, suggesting that the vehicle's braking hardware is entering a phase of degradation that requires proactive attention. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 97,050 miles reflects a low average of approximately 4,411 miles per year. The data shows consistent usage patterns between 2021 and 2025, with the vehicle covering roughly 24,000 miles in that four-year span. However, the low mileage often correlates with the aging of rubber-based components rather than mechanical wear. This explains the recurring advisories regarding deteriorated brake hoses and anti-roll bar linkages which appear to fail due to age rather than miles on the clock. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the entire suspension and braking architecture. The 2024 record identified play in all four anti-roll bar linkage ball joints and a persistent exhaust leak at the catalytic converter join, both of which should be verified as been repaired. The imbalance in the rear brakes noted in the 2025 test indicates that the calipers or cylinders may be seizing or require adjustment. Additionally, the chassis for structural corrosion must be inspected, as low-mileage vehicles of this era are often prone to hidden rust that low usage cannot prevent.