2002 Subaru Impreza 2.0L Petrol · PO52 KWY

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a pattern of reactive repairs rather than preventative care. While the most recent test in September 2025 at 104,105 miles passed, the tester noted a noisy exhaust, which mirrors a fault recorded in both the 2024 and 2023 tests. This indicates that the exhaust system is reaching the end of its functional life or has internal damage that has not been fully addressed despite multiple consecutive passes. At 24 years old, the recorded mileage of 104,105 miles represents a low annual average of approximately 4,338 miles. The data shows consistent but low-frequency usage patterns between 2022 and 2025, with the car covering roughly 5,000 miles over that three-year period. This low mileage profile often leads to the degradation of rubber-based components, which is evidenced by the June 2022 failure involving exposed tyre cords and perishing rubber, suggesting the vehicle may have sat for extended periods or been stored sparingly. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension and drivetrain. The 2023 test flagged multiple failures regarding severely deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage dust covers and a nearside CV boot, which are common points of dry rot on low-use vehicles. Additionally, the incorrectly secured rear brake hoses noted in 2023 require verification to ensure they are not chafed or improperly routed to prevent hydraulic failure. The recurring noisy exhaust advisory suggests a persistent leak or a failing baffle that will eventually result in an emission failure. Given the age of this Subaru, the chassis and mounting points should also be inspected for signs of structural corrosion, as the MOT record does not yet flag rust issues but such vehicles are typical for this era. The state of the tyres must be checked specifically for sidewall cracking, as the 2022 record confirms the vehicle is prone to age-related rubber degradation.