1998 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · J3 OYD
1998 Subaru Forester (2.0L, petrol). First registered 01 May 1998. Recorded mileage 60,747 miles. MOT expired on 27 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- SUBARU FORESTER
- Year / Origin
- 1998
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 27 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 60,747 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
J3 OYD Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 17/10/2025
- 60,747 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
J3 OYD MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Subaru Forester (J3 OYD) between October 2023 and October 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 17 October 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
J3 OYD Mileage History
- 18/10/202359,096 mi
- 07/10/202459,786 mi+690 mi
- 07/10/202459,786 mi
- 17/10/202560,747 mi+961 mi
- 17/10/202560,747 mi
Average of roughly 826 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Subaru Subaru Forester Mk1 (SF)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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SUBARU FORESTER Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1998 model year cars.
- Rear Strut Tower and Chassis CorrosionSerious
UK road salt attacks the rear strut towers and the "U-brace" front subframe, often rotting them from the inside out. Structural corrosion here is one of the most common MOT failure areas on high-mileage SF Foresters and can lead to an MOT failure or expensive structural repair.
- Rear Wheel Bearing FailureModerate
The SF is known for chewing through rear wheel bearings, which can be a difficult and labor-intensive job to replace if the hub bolts are seized. A failing bearing produces a rising drone and, left too late, can damage the hub.
- Exhaust System Corrosion and LeaksModerate
On UK-salted roads the SF's exhaust system, silencer and pipes rust from the outside in, producing loud blowing or hissing noises and potentially an MOT failure on exhaust noise, emissions or leaks. This is most likely once the car is well into its mileage and has seen several winters.
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