1998 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · R572 DWL
1998 Subaru Forester (2.0L, petrol). First registered 31 Dec 1998. MOT expired on 08 Aug 2025.
- Make & Model
- SUBARU FORESTER
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 08 Aug 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- —
- 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.
R572 DWL Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 10/08/2024
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring exhaust & emissions items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R572 DWL MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Subaru Forester (R572 DWL) between July 2024 and August 2024.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 10 August 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Exhaust & Emissions (5 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Rear Registration plate does not conform to the specified requirements toe bar fitted, number plate likely to be miss re”; “Exhaust catalytic converter missing where one was fitted as standard cat missing. straight pipe from turbo to back box (”; “Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively no blade left on both wipers (3.4 (b) (ii))”.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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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: Below 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.
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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.
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