1998 Subaru Impreza 2.0L Petrol · M8 KFK

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive rather than proactive care. While the most recent test in November 2024 at 112,000 miles passed, it followed a critical failure just one day prior. That failed test identified an excessive oil leak dripping onto the exhaust and a damaged offside rear suspension arm. The trend suggests that mechanical issues, particularly fluid leaks and suspension wear, are only addressed when they reach an MOT failure threshold rather than during routine service intervals. At 112,000 miles over 28 years, the Subaru has averaged a low annual usage of approximately 4,000 miles. However, the data shows a significant surge in recent use between August 2022 and November 2023, where the vehicle covered over 13,500 miles in just 15 months. Such sporadic usage patterns often lead to the degradation of rubber components and seals, which is evidenced by the rapid deterioration of the nearside front CV boot and worn ball joints noted during the late 2023 inspections. A buyer must inspect the engine bay for the source of the oil leak, as the record progressed from a minor leak in 2023 to a fire risk in late 2024. The suspension system requires a close look, specifically the offside rear arm and nearside front ball joint, which have already shown signs of fatigue or wear. Given the history of imbalanced rear brakes in 2023, a thorough brake service test is necessary to ensure calipers are not binding or seized due to long periods of inactivity associated with the low-mileage profile.