2002 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · YL02 OJD

This vehicle has a concerning history of severe structural corrosion that represents a significant long-term risk. While it passed its most recent MOT in January 2026, this followed a series of failures involving critical safety components. The most alarming pattern is the recurring evidence of chassis and suspension rot. In late 2024, the car failed due to excessive corrosion on the chassis outrigger, inner sills, and inner wheel arches, all of which significantly reduced structural strength. This trend continued into December 2025, when the vehicle failed again due to a seriously weakened rear Macpherson strut top mount and general underside corrosion. The condition trend is worsening. Even with the most recent pass, the vehicle is carrying a long list of advisories, including further corrosion on the rear strut mountings, pitted brake discs, and tyres worn close to the legal limit. This suggests a pattern of reactive maintenance where only the absolute minimum is repaired to pass the test, while underlying degradation continues. The mileage of 146,416 miles is typical for a 24-year-old vehicle. This indicates regular use rather than long periods of standing, but the extent of the rust suggests the car may have been exposed to harsh environments or lacked adequate underside protection.