2015 Subaru Forester 2.0L Diesel · WU15 WKF

The Subaru Forester holds a current MOT valid from November 2025, yet the record reveals a worsening maintenance trend rather than a stable one. In the November 2025 test at 149,438 miles, the tester flagged worn front and rear tyres close to legal limits, both rear anti-roll bar D bushes with slight play, and worn front wishbone rear bushes on both sides. A clonking felt through the steering rack lock-to-lock points to probable internal rack wear, while both bumpers were noted adrift. The same test initially failed on a dirty registration plate, indicating basic presentation was overlooked. These defects represent a step backward from the clean bill of health recorded in mid-2022. Covering roughly 13,585 miles per year, this 2015 Forester has led a hard life. The annual mileage sits well above the typical 8,000 to 10,000 miles expected for its age. Between July 2022 and November 2024, the car added 26,604 miles, then jumped another 10,575 miles by November 2025. That acceleration in use aligns with the sudden appearance of multiple advisories in 2024 and 2025 after a defect-free test in 2022. The rapid accumulation suggests sustained motorway or commercial-style driving rather than light commuting, placing extra stress on suspension bushes, steering components, and consumables. Buyers should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension and steering rack. The recurring wishbone rear bush wear and the clonking from the rack indicate the steering and suspension have absorbed considerable punishment. Check for play in the front anti-roll bar links and inspect the rack boots for splits or leaks. The rear anti-roll bar D bushes have appeared as a fault in three consecutive tests from 2023 onward, suggesting either cheap replacement parts or underlying alignment issues causing repeated wear. Examine the subframe and suspension mounting points for corrosion, a common issue on Foresters subjected to high mileage and road salt. Tyre wear patterns deserve close attention. Edge wear on the front tyres and inner edge wear on the offside front point to possible tracking misalignment or worn suspension geometry. The rear tyres wearing very close to the legal limit in November 2025, combined with the high mileage, implies the owner deferred replacement. Budget for a full set of quality tyres and a four-wheel alignment, plus potential steering rack and suspension bush replacements, before considering this Forester a sound purchase.