2004 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · SN04 AHM

The 2004 Subaru Forester last passed an MOT on 11 February 2022 at 167,445 miles, but that certificate expired over four years ago. The maintenance trend shows clear deterioration since 2016, with brake pipe corrosion progressing from slight to heavily coated in grease, underbody corrosion now recorded, and rear tyres cracking on both sides. Structural corrosion first appeared as a slight advisory in July 2019 at 131,118 miles and persisted through the final test. Mileage accumulated steadily at roughly 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year until 2020, then jumped to 150,545 miles by December 2020 and reached 167,445 miles by the final test in February 2022. No further tests exist after that date, leaving a 54-month gap with unknown usage or storage conditions. The consistent annual increments suggest regular commuting rather than intermittent use. Recurring faults centre on the braking and suspension systems. Brake pipes have shown corrosion at every test since June 2016 at 93,587 miles, worsening to a grease-covered state on the final inspection. Both rear anti-roll bar linkages failed on excessive wear in July 2018 at 116,430 miles after an advisory for slight play in July 2017 at 102,261 miles, and the offside front suspension arm was deemed seriously weakened by corrosion in June 2016. Rear tyres have perished or cracked at three separate tests, and an exhaust lambda failure in December 2020 hints at potential catalyst or sensor issues. A buyer must inspect the brake pipe runs for integrity, particularly where they pass through the chassis legs, and verify the underbody structural rails for advanced rot. The rear suspension linkages and front control arms need close examination for corrosion fatigue. Given the four-year test absence, the tyres, exhaust emissions, and general structural soundness require full assessment before any road use.