2007 Subaru Impreza 2.5L Petrol · SJ07 OGT

The most recent MOT on 17 November 2025 at 96,917 miles recorded a PASS, but the tester flagged a severely deteriorated near‑side front suspension arm ball‑joint dust cover, off‑side rear sill corrosion and slight play in the near‑side front suspension top mount. Compared with the 2020 failure for excessive chassis corrosion, the trend has shifted from a serious structural defect to a series of advisory‑level items, indicating an overall improvement but a persisting need for attention to suspension and corrosion points. Mileage has risen from 87,173 miles in June 2019 to 95,869 miles by December 2020, then only to 96,917 miles by November 2025. That equates to roughly 5,100 miles per year over the vehicle’s 19‑year life – well below average for a model of this age. The modest increase of just over 1,000 miles in the five‑year span between 2020 and 2025 suggests periods of light use or extended storage, which can exacerbate corrosion but also reduces wear on consumables. A prospective buyer should give priority to the front suspension assembly, confirming the integrity of the ball‑joint dust cover and checking for any progressive wear in the arm and top mount bushings. The off‑side rear sill and the area noted in the 2020 failure demand a close visual inspection for hidden rust that could compromise structural strength. Brake pipe corrosion recorded in 2019 remains a concern; the pipes should be examined for pitting or loss of material, and the anti‑roll bar linkages inspected for the slight play previously reported. Finally, verify tyre tread depths, as the 2019 failure listed all four tyres near the legal limit, and ensure that any remedial work on the suspension or chassis has been carried out to a satisfactory standard.