2008 Subaru Forester 2.5L Petrol · SL58 FLJ

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile with a clear worsening trend regarding structural integrity. While it passed its latest MOT on 5 June 2026 at 99,112 miles, this followed a catastrophic failure just five miles prior. The failure record reveals critical structural defects, including holed floor pans and inner sills where corrosion has significantly reduced the assembly rigidity. Although the vehicle eventually passed, the presence of a note stating the car was fully undersealed suggests the previous owner may have attempted to mask the extent of this advanced metal decay from the tester. The mileage pattern is notably low for an eighteen-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,500 miles per year. Between the 2024 test at 92,637 miles and the 2025 test at 96,549 miles, the car covered only 4,000 miles, indicating infrequent use. However, this low mileage has not protected the vehicle from significant environmental degradation. The data shows that despite the low mechanical load, the structural and structural component failures are driven by time and moisture exposure rather than mileage-related wear. A buyer must conduct a rigorous physical inspection of the chassis and underbody to verify the quality of the rust repairs. The 2026 failure highlighted severe structural corrosion in the inner sills and floor, which are terminal issues if not properly replaced with new steel. Additionally, the history shows a recurring pattern of suspension issues, with corroded arms and subframe mounting points flagged in 2025 and 2026. The deterioration of the offside front drive shaft CV boot and the corroded coil springs noted in the most recent test indicate that rubber and spring components are reaching the end of their functional life.