2012 Subaru Outback 3.6L Petrol · WG61 DZR

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a progression of structural and suspension-related wear issues. The most recent test in December 2025 at 88,653 miles passed despite advisories for worn bushes on both nearside and offside front lower suspension arm bushes. While the car consistently passes its MOT tests, the recurring presence of corrosion and mechanical failures indicates the vehicle is entering a phase where components require more frequent attention and replacement. The recorded mileage of 88,653 miles over 14 years averages to approximately 6,332 miles per year, which is consistent with low-to-moderate usage for this age. The data shows steady usage patterns, with roughly 2,200 miles driven between December 2023 and December 2024, and another 3,000 miles in the following year. This regularity suggests the vehicle has not sat stationary for long periods, which often helps prevent the degradation of rubber components and seals seen in older cars. A buyer must prioritize a close inspection of the central rear sub-frame, which the tester flagged for corrosion in December 2024 at 85,698 miles. Although it was not seriously weakened at that time, rust on Subaru sub-frames can progress rapidly and lead to structural integrity failures. The buyer should also verify the front suspension condition mentioned in the December 2025 advisory, as worn control arm bushes can affect steering precision and cause uneven tyre wear if left unaddressed. The exhaust system shows a history of minor leaks and rusted flanges dating back to December 2023, which should be checked for signs of thinning or structural decay. Additionally, the previous failures related to headlamp levelling and beam aim in 2023 suggest a need to ensure the lighting assemblies have been properly adjusted and that the lenses are not excessively pitted. These issues are typical for the age of the vehicle, but the structural corrosion remains the most critical area to monitor long-term.