2009 Subaru Outback 2.5L Petrol · WV59 OBN

This 2009 Subaru Outback passed its most recent MOT on 13 November 2025 at 109,122 miles, but the record reveals a maintenance trend that is stable at best, with several recurring advisories left unaddressed year-on-year. The tester flagged the same front lower suspension arm rear rubber bushes as split or deteriorated on both sides in 2022, 2023, 2024, and again in 2025, indicating these components have been degrading for at least three years without replacement. Rear sub-frame corrosion has appeared consistently since 2024, described each time as not seriously weakened, yet the condition warrants close monitoring. Rear brake pads have been reported as wearing thin at every test from 2022 through 2025, suggesting either repeated deferral of replacement or a binding caliper or slider issue causing premature wear. A persistent central front oil leak has been noted since 2024, classified as slight, but its continued presence points to a deteriorating gasket or seal that has not been rectified. The mileage progression is broadly consistent with light-to-moderate use for a vehicle of this age. Between the October 2022 test at 107,298 miles and the November 2023 test at 108,227 miles, the car covered approximately 929 miles in just over twelve months. From November 2023 to November 2024, it added 453 miles, reaching 108,680. The final jump to 109,122 miles by November 2025 represents just 442 miles in a full year. This pattern suggests the vehicle has spent extended periods stationary, which can accelerate rubber component perishing, cause brake corrosion, and promote localised corrosion in sub-frames and suspension arms, all of which align with the defects observed. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the rear sub-frame and suspension mounting points, looking for any progression beyond surface corrosion into structural weakness. Both front lower suspension arm rear bushes are overdue for replacement, and the rear anti-roll bar D-bushes have shown play since at least 2022. The rear braking system deserves particular attention: pads have been reported as thin across four consecutive annual tests, so the calipers, sliders, and handbrake mechanism should be checked for seizure or uneven wear. The front exhaust heat shield has been flagged as loose or rattling since 2024, and both front and rear heat shields were noted as loose in the 2024 failure, so ensure these are secure to prevent contact with fuel lines or carpeting. The headlamp lenses were described as opaque in 2024 and 2025, which will reduce night-time beam intensity even if the aim was corrected for the retest. Finally, the persistent oil leak from the central front area, likely a cam cover or front crankshaft seal, should be traced and repaired before it worsens or contaminates other components.