2018 Subaru BRZ 2.0L Petrol · TL02 BOS

The most recent MOT on 9 October 2025 was passed, but it carried four advisories – rear brake disc wear, thin rear brake pads and slight cracking or perishing on all four tyres. Over the preceding five years the vehicle has shown a generally clean record, with only occasional tyre‑related advisories and a single brake‑wear notice appearing in the latest test. This suggests a maintenance trend that has been stable but is now beginning to show age‑related wear, particularly on the braking system and tyre tread, rather than any sudden deterioration. At 64 028 mi the car averages just over 8 000 mi per year, which is typical for a UK vehicle of its age. The mileage does not indicate any periods of heavy abuse, and there are no large gaps that would imply long periods of storage. Consequently, most wear items are likely to be driven by calendar ageing rather than high mileage, meaning that components such as the rubber compounds in the tyres and the brake friction material have been ageing in situ as much as they have been used. When you inspect the car, give the tyre condition the highest priority. Look for surface cracking, sidewall dry‑rot and any bulges; measure tread depth on all four wheels to confirm it is well above the 1.6 mm legal minimum – the recent advisories on front and rear tyres indicate they are approaching that limit. During a test drive listen for any thumping or vibration that may signal uneven wear or a developing separation of the tyre carcass. Check the rear brake discs for scoring or excessive thinning and feel the pedal for any pulsation or increased stopping distance, which would confirm that the discs and pads need replacement soon. Also examine the rear calipers for signs of uneven pad wear or fluid leakage. Beyond the tyres and brakes, the BRZ is now eight years old, so a thorough visual inspection for corrosion on the chassis, suspension bushes, and under‑body panels is advisable, especially if the car has spent time standing. Verify the 12 V battery health – a load test or a check of the electrolyte level (if conventional) will reveal whether it is nearing the end of its service life. Confirm that the oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed at the recommended intervals; fluid colour and clarity can give a quick indication of degradation. Finally, a brief drive should be used to assess the steering feel, any clunking from the front suspension or engine mounts, and the smoothness of gear changes, all of which are key indicators of the overall mechanical soundness of a vehicle of this age and mileage.