2016 Subaru Forester 2.0L Diesel · NJ16 FPX

The Subaru Forester presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT in March 2026 at 95,842 miles passed, but the tester flagged multiple items that signal deferred attention rather than proactive care. Both front lower suspension arm ball joints have slight play, both front tyres are worn to the legal limit, and the front and rear suspension mounting areas show corrosion. These are not new failures; they are recurring advisories that have persisted across multiple tests without resolution. The trend is one of gradual deterioration, not improvement. The mileage pattern is broadly consistent with typical use. Between April 2023 and March 2026, the car covered roughly 26,100 miles, averaging about 8,700 miles per year. The jump from 82,577 miles in March 2024 to 89,973 miles in April 2025 accounts for around 7,400 miles in just over a year, which is unremarkable. No significant gaps appear in the record that would suggest long periods of inactivity. The annual mileage sits comfortably within expectations for a vehicle of this age. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension. The 2025 failure flagged excessively worn front lower suspension arm pins and bushes, corroded castle nuts, and missing pins on both sides. By the March 2026 test, these had been addressed enough to pass, but the reappearance of slight play in both ball joints suggests the repairs may have been a temporary fix or that wear is accelerating. Check the condition of the replacement components and ask whether genuine or pattern parts were used. The rear anti-roll bar linkage joints also showed wear in 2025, so inspect those for play and deterioration. Corrosion in the front and rear suspension mounting areas has been noted consistently since 2025. The testers judged it not excessive at the time, but corrosion in prescribed areas can worsen rapidly depending on climate and road treatment. Examine these mounting points closely for section loss or flaking, particularly if the car is intended for long-term ownership. The repeated appearance of worn front tyres at or near the legal limit across consecutive tests points to alignment issues or simply neglected rotation. Have the tracking and wheel alignment checked, and budget for replacement tyres if the current set is the same one flagged in March 2026.