1998 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · R293 EAR
1998 Subaru Forester (2.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Jun 1998. Recorded mileage 142,730 miles. MOT expired on 20 May 2023. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- SUBARU FORESTER
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 20 May 2023
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 142,730 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
R293 EAR Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 23/04/2022
- 142,730 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R293 EAR MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
1 MOT test are recorded for this 1998 Subaru Forester (R293 EAR) between April 2022 and April 2022.
The record contains 1 pass and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 2 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Known faults for Subaru Subaru Forester Mk1 (SF)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (R293 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as R293EAR.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C
HARLEY DAVIDSON
FXSTS
DUCATI
M600
NISSAN
TERRANO
PEUGEOT
306
ROVER
MINI
BMW
R1100
JAGUAR
XJ
MAZDA
MX-5
VOLKSWAGEN
TRANSPORTER
JEEP
CHEROKEE
SUZUKI
GSXR750
SUBARU FORESTER Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1998 model year cars.
- Rear Strut Tower and Chassis CorrosionSerious
UK road salt attacks the rear strut towers and the "U-brace" front subframe, often rotting them from the inside out. Structural corrosion here is one of the most common MOT failure areas on high-mileage SF Foresters and can lead to an MOT failure or expensive structural repair.
- Rear Wheel Bearing FailureModerate
The SF is known for chewing through rear wheel bearings, which can be a difficult and labor-intensive job to replace if the hub bolts are seized. A failing bearing produces a rising drone and, left too late, can damage the hub.
- Exhaust System Corrosion and LeaksModerate
On UK-salted roads the SF's exhaust system, silencer and pipes rust from the outside in, producing loud blowing or hissing noises and potentially an MOT failure on exhaust noise, emissions or leaks. This is most likely once the car is well into its mileage and has seen several winters.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.