2009 Subaru Impreza 2.0L Diesel · SM59 KTO

The Subaru Impreza presents a mixed maintenance picture following its most recent MOT pass on 16 September 2022 at 192,731 miles. That test flagged a severely deteriorated offside front outer CV joint boot alongside worn and pitted brake discs on all four corners, both recorded as advisories rather than failures. The CV boot defect is a recurring concern, having appeared in the same location during the October 2020 test at 185,181 miles, suggesting the joint has been operating with compromised protection for at least two years. Brake disc wear has also persisted across multiple inspections, with pitted and scored discs noted in both 2018 and 2022. The overall trend is one of gradual mechanical deterioration rather than catastrophic failure, but the pattern indicates consumable and wear items have been left at or near minimum serviceable limits for extended periods. The mileage record shows a steady accumulation of roughly 11,300 miles per year across the vehicle's seventeen-year life, which is unremarkable for a car of this age and type. However, the MOT record ends abruptly in September 2022, leaving a gap of nearly four years with no recorded test as of June 2026. The vehicle has either been sitting unused, driven without a valid MOT, or tested elsewhere without the record updating. The jump from 185,181 miles in October 2020 to 192,731 miles by September 2022 represents about 7,550 miles over two years, a slightly lower annual rate than the long-term average, which may indicate reduced use in its later years or a period of disuse. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension and steering components, given the repeated advisories. The offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint showed slight play in November 2019 at 176,501 miles, and the nearside joint was excessively worn at the November 2018 failure at 164,046 miles. Steering rack play has been flagged on multiple occasions, appearing in both the 2018 and 2019 tests. These items degrade progressively and may now require replacement. The fuel system also warrants close attention. Corrosion on the fuel pump and filter housing was noted in November 2018, with a badly corroded fuel pipe at the same location contributing to the failure that year. Fuel system corrosion on a vehicle of this age can indicate long-term exposure to road salt or standing water, and the condition may have worsened without intervention. The braking system should be examined thoroughly. Front brake pads were below 1.5mm in 2018, and all four brake discs have shown pitting and scoring across multiple tests. While the discs were not deemed seriously weakened at the time of the last test, four years of unknown use since then means their current condition is entirely unverified. The central rear seat belt webbing was frayed in both 2018 tests, a defect that should have been rectified but which the record does not confirm was ever repaired. Given the four-year gap in testing, a full inspection of all safety-critical systems, including brake lines, suspension mounting points, and structural subframes for corrosion, is essential before any purchase decision.