2018 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · OU68 YJM

The Subaru Forester presents a generally sound mechanical picture, though the most recent MOT on 20 August 2025 at 43,383 miles flagged a recurring suspension concern. Both nearside and offside front suspension arm rear bushes were noted as worn but not yet resulting in excessive movement. This is a notable shift from the clean bill of health recorded on 22 August 2024 at 38,398 miles, suggesting a developing wear item that warrants monitoring. The overall maintenance trend is stable rather than alarming, but the reappearance of front suspension wear after a defect-free year indicates a component approaching the end of its serviceable life rather than a sudden failure. The mileage accumulation tells a story of very light use. Covering just 4,985 miles between August 2024 and August 2025, and only 12,243 miles over the three years prior, this vehicle has averaged roughly 5,400 miles annually since new. Such low annualisation typically limits wear on consumables like brake discs and drivetrain components, yet the record shows tyre degradation has been a persistent theme. Tyre perishing and wear were flagged in both August 2022 at 21,848 miles and August 2023 at 31,155 miles, suggesting the car may have spent extended periods stationary, causing sidewall deterioration through ozone exposure and load deformation rather than mileage-related wear. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension bushes flagged in the latest test. Worn rear bushes on the lower arms can cause vague steering, uneven tyre wear, and knocks over bumps, so checking for play with a pry bar is essential. The front brake pads were noted as wearing thin in August 2023, yet no brake defect appeared in 2024 or 2025, implying a pad replacement may have occurred between those dates. Verify pad thickness and disc condition regardless. Tyre age deserves close scrutiny. Even with ample tread, rubber older than six years from manufacture should be replaced due to structural integrity risks, and the repeated perishing advisories suggest previous owners may have neglected replacement intervals. Inspect the sidewalls for cracking and confirm the date codes on all four tyres plus the spare.