2004 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · LL04 RJJ

A 22-year-old Subaru Forester showing 95,472 miles carries a defined mechanical narrative around its suspension and drivetrain sealing rather than a generally clean record. Across the four DVSA examinations since 2023 there are two failures and recurring advisories pointing to familiar ageing areas: the front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers, the offside front shock absorbers, and a transmission oil leak. The most recent test on 30 January 2026 was a pass, but only after a failed attempt the previous day citing a deteriorated nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover and a rough nearside rear wheel bearing, alongside a pair of rear tyres carrying nails. The pairing of a near-immediate retest pass with these unresolved items suggests the anti-roll bar bushings, the rear wheel bearing, and the tyres are areas needing prompt attention rather than items that were conclusively remedied. Recorded mileage of 95,472 miles over 22 years equates to roughly 4,340 miles per year, which is below average for the age and consistent with a vehicle that has seen light or intermittent use. There are visible gaps in testing history, including no recorded examination between 2021 and 2023, which suggests periods off the road or very light running. Low annual mileage can preserve interior and bodywork but brings its own mechanical considerations: standing time accelerates deterioration of rubber components such as the anti-roll bar dust covers and suspension bushes, dries out brake caliper slide pins, and allows brake fluid to age in situ. The transmission oil leak first noted in February 2024 is consistent with seals hardening during inactivity, and the shock absorber misting flagged in 2020 and again in 2023 points to seals slowly losing function with age rather than active driving wear. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priorities are the suspension joints and the rear wheel bearing. On a test drive, listen for clonking or rattling from the front end over uneven roads, particularly over speed humps and potholes, as perished anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers allow contamination that rapidly wears the joint itself. Any looseness, vagueness through the steering, or a metallic rattle from the front should be treated as a sign that the linkage assemblies require replacement as a pair. The reported rough nearside rear wheel bearing should be evaluated by road testing at a steady 30 to 50 mph in a quiet environment for a humming, growling, or cycling drone that changes with road speed; any such noise indicates imminent replacement. Given the failed stop lamp noted in 2023, confirm both brake light bulbs illuminate cleanly and check the high-level third lamp, as intermittent bulb or switch faults are common on vehicles of this age. The transmission oil leak noted in 2024 warrants inspection from underneath on a dry day for fresh seepage around the gearbox bellhousing, transfer box, and rear differential output seals, as Subaru boxer drivetrains are known for seal hardening that progresses from seepage to drips. The shock absorber misting warrants a close look at the offside front unit for any fresh oil film or streaking on the body, and the vehicle should be pressed downwards at each corner and released to confirm the rebound is even and controlled rather than bouncy. Tyres should be examined for age-related sidewall cracking, tread depth, and any repair plugs from the previously noted nails, as two nails in separate rear tyres on the same test raise questions about driving environment. Finally, inspect the underbody and subframe mounting areas for surface corrosion, given the age and the fact that several rubber and sealing items are clearly past their design life; any structural rust should be evaluated before purchase.