2007 Subaru Impreza 2.0L Petrol · SB07 EHH

The 2007 Subaru Impreza currently holds no valid MOT, having failed its most recent test on 16 August 2023 at 85,108 miles. That failure reveals a worsening trend in corrosion-related deterioration and mechanical neglect. The tester flagged an excessively corroded rear brake pipe, two deteriorated or corroded front brake hoses, an insecure nearside front anti-roll bar linkage, and split constant velocity boots on both rear drive shafts. An oil leak from the sump and a nearside rear tyre worn to the legal limit compounded the defects. These are not isolated minor advisories. They point to a vehicle that has been left with known faults unaddressed for a significant period, as the mileage has not moved since that failure over two and a half years ago. The mileage profile is unusual and warrants careful interpretation. At roughly 4,479 miles per year over nineteen years, this is a low-mileage vehicle by any standard. The record shows 81,848 miles in August 2020, 82,874 miles in August 2021, 83,719 miles in August 2022, and then 85,108 miles in August 2023. That final jump of 1,389 miles in twelve months is modest, but the complete absence of any MOT record or mileage update since August 2023 raises a clear question. The car has either been standing unused for nearly three years or has been driven without a valid MOT. Both scenarios carry risk. Long-term standing accelerates brake corrosion, tyre perishing, and seal deterioration, all of which align precisely with the defects found in the 2023 failure. A buyer should treat the brake system as the primary concern. The rear brake pipe was excessively corroded, and both front brake hoses were flagged for deterioration or corrosion at the ferrules. On a vehicle of this age and mileage, such widespread brake corrosion is inconsistent with regular use and strongly suggests prolonged standing or storage in damp conditions. The brake system requires a thorough inspection, including pipe runs, hose flexibility, and caliper operation, before any road use. The insecure nearside front anti-roll bar linkage and the worn anti-roll bar bushes noted in earlier tests indicate suspension components that have not been attended to, and these should be physically checked for play and structural integrity. The split constant velocity boots on both rear drive shafts are another serious finding. Once a CV boot splits, dirt and water enter the joint, accelerating wear and leading to costly failure. Both boots were flagged in the 2023 test, and with no subsequent MOT, there is no evidence they have been replaced. A buyer should inspect the inner and outer joints for clicking, play, and contamination. The corroded offside front coil spring mounting noted in 2022, while not seriously weakened at that time, should be re-examined given the overall corrosion pattern. Tyre condition across multiple years shows cracking and perishing, consistent with age-related deterioration rather than wear, meaning all four tyres may need replacement regardless of remaining tread depth. This vehicle presents a cluster of corrosion and neglect-related faults that demand a comprehensive mechanical inspection before purchase.