2022 Subaru Outback Touring SYM AWD CVT 2.5L Petrol · VF22 UAS

The most recent MOT, carried out on 31 March 2026, resulted in a Pass but retained advisories for both front tyres being close to the legal tread limit and for wear on the tyre edges. Four days earlier the vehicle had failed the same test due to an off‑side front inner brake pad measured at less than 1.5 mm, a dangerous condition that was apparently remedied before the subsequent pass. Over the three recorded tests the pattern shows a recurring issue with front‑tyre tread and a once‑off brake‑pad failure, suggesting that while the vehicle is currently road‑worthy, the maintenance trend is only marginally stable and will require prompt attention to the identified wear items. At 37 471 miles the Subaru Outback is roughly four years old, giving an average annual mileage of about 9 300 miles. This figure sits comfortably within the normal UK usage envelope and does not indicate excessive wear from high mileage. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage that would hint at long periods of storage, so the wear observed is likely a result of normal driving rather than prolonged standing, although the relatively low annual total does mean that some components may be ageing more by calendar than by use. Prospective buyers should give the front tyres a thorough visual and tactile inspection. Measure the tread depth across the centre and both edges; any reading below 1.6 mm or uneven wear patterns could signal mis‑alignment, worn suspension bushes, or incorrect tyre pressure. Listen for a hollow or thumping noise when cornering at moderate speed, which would indicate deteriorating tyre sidewalls or impending failure. The front inner brake pads must be checked for remaining thickness; if they are still near the 1.5 mm threshold they will need replacement imminently, and the rear pads, flagged as thin in the 2025 MOT, should also be measured to avoid a repeat of the earlier dangerous condition. While the bodywork advisory notes tape over damage to the north‑south/rear quarter, a close examination for rust, panel distortion, or compromised structural integrity is essential, as concealed corrosion can spread and affect suspension mounting points. Beyond the specific advisories, a buyer should verify the condition of the suspension components – look for cracked or leaking rubber bushings, excessive play in the coil springs, and any clunking when applying the brakes or traversing bumps. The 12‑volt battery, now four years old, should be load‑tested to confirm it can hold charge, especially if the car has spent periods idle. Since the vehicle is approaching the five‑year mark, time‑based fluid changes are prudent: inspect the engine oil for colour and level, replace the coolant and brake fluid if service stamps are absent, and ensure the CVT fluid meets Subaru’s specifications. Finally, request a full service history and confirm that any tyre or brake work noted in the MOTs has been documented with receipts or workshop stamps, providing confidence that the corrective actions have been properly carried out.