2004 Subaru Legacy 3.0L Petrol · WU54 HRF

The Subaru Legacy holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 1 October 2025 at 141,835 miles, following a failure just five days prior on 26 September 2025 at 141,834 miles. The September failure was rectified swiftly, with the tester clearing the vehicle after addressing lighting defects including a non-functioning offside headlamp dipped beam, a failed nearside front position lamp, and a registration plate lamp circuit fault. The maintenance trend is broadly stable but reveals a pattern of accumulating rear suspension and brake advisories rather than a fully resolving condition. The most recent pass confirms the vehicle meets minimum roadworthiness standards, yet several underlying mechanical notes persist across consecutive tests. The recorded mileage of 141,835 miles over approximately 22 years translates to roughly 6,447 miles per year, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. The MOT history shows a notable gap between July 2022 and July 2023, followed by annual testing thereafter. Mileage accumulation accelerated slightly in recent years, moving from 126,355 miles in July 2023 to 133,616 miles in August 204, then jumping to 141,835 miles by September 2025. This suggests the vehicle has seen more consistent use after a period of potentially lighter activity or standing. The mileage progression is plausible and does not raise immediate concerns about clocking. The recurring defect pattern centres on the rear suspension and braking system. Corrosion on both rear coil springs has been flagged consistently since August 2024 and remains advisory in the most recent test. While not yet a failure, progressive corrosion compromises spring integrity and ride height over time. Rear radius arm bushes have also been noted as slightly worn in both the September 2025 failure and the subsequent pass, indicating gradual deterioration rather than a sudden fault. A rear differential oil leak, classed as not excessive, has persisted across the same tests and warrants monitoring for worsening seepage. Rear inner brake pads were flagged as wearing thin in September 2025, and an offside rear service brake was noted as binding in July 2023, suggesting uneven rear brake wear or a caliper issue that may have been partially addressed but not fully resolved. Front suspension arm ball joints showed slight play in July 2023, though this did not reappear in later tests, possibly due to replacement or retesting conditions. A buyer should prioritise a thorough in-person inspection of the rear suspension, focusing on the condition of the coil springs for section loss and the radius arm bushes for perishing or movement. The rear braking system requires close examination for caliper slide pin function, disc scoring, and pad thickness. The rear differential leak should be assessed for fluid level and any signs of contamination on the underbody. Given the vehicle's age and the persistence of corrosion-related advisories, a full underbody inspection for structural integrity is strongly recommended before purchase.