2008 Subaru Outback 2.5L Petrol · VO08 AMV

The most recent MOT was on 2023-06-22 — just under three years ago — and it passed at 152,992 miles. However, that same day also recorded a failed MOT with identical mileage and defects, suggesting the vehicle was retested immediately after repairs. A clear pattern of recurring wear emerges: wheel bearings (offside rear), anti-roll bar linkages (front and rear), brake pads (rear and front), headlamp aim, and exhaust integrity have all appeared multiple times. The 2022 failure included serious items — CV boot deterioration, tyre cuts exposing cords, and a major exhaust leak — none of which reappear in later records, implying they were addressed. But the offside rear wheel bearing play and low rear brake pads recurred in both 2023 MOTs, indicating unresolved or accelerating wear. The defect trend is not improving: critical items like wheel bearing play and brake pad wear persisted into the latest test, and no newer MOTs exist to show resolution. There’s no evidence of worsening beyond those recurring issues — but neither is there proof they’ve been properly fixed. At 152,992 miles and 18 years old, the car averages ~8,500 miles per year — typical for its age. This suggests steady, moderate use rather than extreme neglect or heavy commercial duty. However, the repeated suspension and drivetrain faults hint at cumulative wear rather than sudden failure, and the long gap since the last MOT means current condition is unknown.