2012 Subaru Legacy 2.0L Petrol · RO62 LVM

The most recent MOT test on 23 April 2026 resulted in a pass, though five advisory items were recorded, indicating a vehicle that remains legally roadworthy but is beginning to show meaningful wear across multiple systems. Reviewing the trajectory across the past three years, the overall maintenance trend is one of gradual rather than acute deterioration, with a notable cluster of issues appearing at the 2026 test. The April 2024 test recorded a failure with three major defects, including an inoperative engine malfunction indicator lamp, an electronic stability control warning lamp fault, and a non-functional rear fog lamp, alongside a rear brake pad advisory. While the vehicle subsequently passed in 2025 and 2026, the recurrence of suspension arm pin or bush wear (now noted at both the front nearside in 2026 and front bushes more generally in 2023), persistent brake disc and pad advisories, and ongoing tyre edge wear suggests a chassis and braking system that warrants close physical attention prior to purchase. The escalating number of advisories at the most recent test indicates that a buyer should not interpret the clean pass as evidence of a problem-free vehicle. The recorded mileage of 102,978 miles over approximately 14 years equates to an annual average of around 7,356 miles, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and consistent with steady, mixed-use driving rather than extensive motorway commuting or extended periods of standing. There are no significant unexplained gaps in the recorded mileage progression, which lends confidence to the odometer reading. That said, even at this average annual figure, a fourteen-year-old Subaru Legacy will have accrued substantial wear on the horizontally opposed engine, continuously variable transmission where fitted, and the all-wheel-drive system, particularly the rear differential and transfer components, which are known wear points on this model. The relatively modest annual mileage does suggest that time-based degradation of consumables such as rubber seals, coolant, brake fluid, and the timing chain tensioner is likely to be a more relevant concern than mileage-driven wear alone. With the recurring advisories on front brake discs, brake pads, and suspension bushes, a prospective buyer should conduct a focused physical and dynamic inspection. The 2026 advisory noting that both front tyres were worn close to the legal limit and on their edges warrants immediate replacement if not already addressed, and during a test drive any steering vagueness, pulling to one side, or uneven front tyre wear across the tread face would suggest worn front lower suspension arm pins or bushes that have progressed beyond the advisory threshold. Brake disc pitting and thinning pads, as recorded in 2026, should be assessed by feel during a medium-speed deceleration, listening for any grinding or pulsation through the pedal and checking for shudder under firm braking. The nearside rear registration plate lamp inoperative minor, the cloudy headlamp lenses, and the offside front fog lamp broken are low-cost cosmetic and lighting items, but the minor exhaust gas leak noted in 2025 warrants a physical inspection of the rear exhaust section for corrosion around the joint or silencer, particularly given the vehicle's age and likely exposure to road salt. Beyond the specific advisories, age-appropriate checks remain essential for any fourteen-year-old vehicle. The original 12V battery is almost certainly due for replacement, and voltage testing under load is recommended to avoid winter starting issues. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and should ideally have been replaced every two to three years irrespective of mileage, so confirmation of a recent fluid service is worthwhile. Tyres fitted to a low-mileage car of this age can suffer from sidewall perishing and cracking even where tread depth remains adequate, so close visual inspection of the sidewalls for ozone cracking is advised. Coolant condition, condition of the timing chain and tensioner on the boxer engine, CV joint boots, and the state of the all-wheel-drive system including any evidence of rear differential oil leaks should all form part of a pre-purchase inspection. Given the failure in 2024 relating to the engine management lamp and electronic stability control, it would be prudent to confirm that any diagnostic trouble codes have been properly investigated and cleared by a garage, as intermittent electronic faults on a vehicle of this age can prove costly if left unresolved.