2004 Subaru Impreza 2.0L Petrol · RN53 EXE

The 2004 Subaru Impresa presents a stable but ageing mechanical picture following its most recent MOT pass on 6 February 2026 at 179,814 miles. That test cleared the vehicle with only minor advisories, both headlamp lenses showing a product on the lens that was not seriously reducing light output and a front registration plate noted as insecure but unlikely to fall off. The day before, on 5 February 2026 at 179,813 miles, the same vehicle had failed on a single point: the brake lever having insufficient reserve travel. That fault was rectified within 24 hours, suggesting a straightforward adjustment or minor repair rather than a deep hydraulic issue. The maintenance trend is broadly stable, with no escalating pattern of serious structural or mechanical failure, though the vehicle carries a number of low-level advisories that reflect its age and mileage rather than acute neglect. The mileage progression tells a consistent story. Between the November 2023 pass at 177,116 miles and the February 2025 test at 178,855 miles, the vehicle covered 1,739 miles over roughly 15 months, a modest rate. From February 2025 to February 2026, it added just 959 miles, indicating very light recent use or a period of limited driving. At roughly 8,173 miles per year over its 22-year life, the overall accumulation is typical for the age and does not raise concerns about excessive wear or, conversely, long-term standing damage from disuse. The record is clean with no gaps in annual testing, which supports a pattern of continuous registration and use. A buyer should focus their in-person inspection on the rear suspension and steering components. The February 2025 test flagged both nearside and offside rear upper axle swivel pins and bushes as slightly worn, a recurring advisory that points to gradual deterioration in the rear suspension linkage. On the front end, the November 2023 test noted worn anti-roll bar linkage pins and bushes on the nearside, including the D bush, though not yet resulting in excessive movement. These are age-related wear items on a 22-year-old vehicle, but they should be checked for play and free movement, as worn swivel bushes can affect rear wheel alignment and tyre wear. The insecure battery noted in 2025 and the insecure registration plate flagged in both 2026 tests suggest minor presentation issues rather than mechanical risk, though the battery carrier itself should be inspected for corrosion or cracking. The headlamp lens condition appearing across multiple tests is cosmetic rather than functional, but both lenses should be checked for clarity and aim. The single-day brake lever failure and rapid pass the following day is reassuring, yet a test drive should confirm the handbrake holds firmly on a gradient and that the footbrake pedal feels firm with adequate reserve travel. At 179,814 miles, consumable items including brake discs, pads, coil springs, and exhaust components are all well within the zone where age-related fatigue and corrosion should be assessed visually underneath the car.