2015 Subaru Outback 2.5L Petrol · RO15 OHN

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 8 June 2026 resulted in a pass, but only after a same-day failure in which all four tyres were rejected for cuts deep enough to expose the ply or cords, accompanied by an advisory noting that the rear brake pads were wearing thin. The earlier 2026 test would have required replacement of all four tyres and likely attention to the rear braking components before a retest pass could be issued. Looking at the broader pattern, the vehicle has passed every annual test since 2021, but the quantity and nature of advisories have escalated notably. Between 2022 and 2023, advisories related to rear tyre wear, front brake disc pitting, and front brake pad wear. By 2025, the advisory list had grown to include an oil leak, a minor front exhaust gas leak, slight play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint, and corrosion affecting the upper coils of both rear coil springs. This trajectory indicates a vehicle whose maintenance demands are progressively increasing, with suspension, braking, and exhaust components now all flagged for attention, suggesting that the underlying trend is one of gradual but clear deterioration rather than stable condition. The recorded mileage of 121,714 miles on an eleven-year-old car equates to an average of roughly 11,000 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no unusual gaps or sudden spikes in usage evident from the MOT record, indicating the car has been in consistent service rather than left standing for prolonged periods. That said, at this cumulative mileage, wear-related items such as suspension bushes, engine oil seals, exhaust mounting rubbers, and coil springs are entering the latter stages of their service life, particularly given the symmetrical corrosion noted on both rear springs. This mileage-driven wear profile aligns closely with the advisory pattern recorded across the most recent tests. For a prospective buyer, the cluster of 2025 advisories warrants particular attention during physical inspection and test drive. The slight play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint should be evaluated by listening for clonks or knocking over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, and by checking for uneven front tyre wear, which would indicate the joint has progressed beyond a minor issue. The corroded upper coils on both rear coil springs are a known concern for this generation of Outback; while not an immediate failure point, surface corrosion of this nature typically progresses and can ultimately lead to coil fracture. On the test drive, listen for any sudden metallic clunk from the rear under load, and inspect the spring pans visually for any signs of cracking or advanced section loss. The noted oil leak, while classed as not excessive, should be monitored for staining on the undertray or driveway, and the front exhaust minor gas leak should prompt a close look at the front pipe and manifold gasket for black soot deposits and audible ticking when the engine is cold. Given the front brake disc pitting advisories in 2023 and 2024 and the rear brake pad advisory in 2026, the braking system should be regarded as approaching a major service interval. A test drive should include several firm stops from at least 30 mph to check for brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel, which would confirm the front discs now need machining or replacement rather than mere pad renewal. Similarly, the historical pattern of tyres being flagged for cuts and edge wear in successive years suggests the vehicle may have tracking misalignment or that the tyres supplied previously were of inferior quality, so a four-wheel alignment check and fitting of reputable tyres would be prudent. Finally, with mileage now well past 120,000 and age over a decade, the buyer should verify that the cambelt and balance shaft belt (Subaru flat-four timing service) have been replaced within the manufacturer's schedule, that the automatic or manual gearbox fluid has been changed, and that the 12V battery and brake fluid are recent, as calendar-based degradation of fluids is a common oversight on high-mileage but consistently used vehicles such as this one.