2008 Subaru Outback petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Subaru Outback petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Subaru Outback petrol than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2× usual
  Subaru Outback

  21% All 2008 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.8× usual
  Subaru Outback

  11.9% All 2008 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 1.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints8.6× usual
  Subaru Outback

  7.7% All 2008 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2008 Subaru Outback petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Subaru Outback petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  47% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  37% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  25% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  15% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  10% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Subaru Outback petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2008 Subaru Outback petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2008 Subaru Outback petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 8.6× as often on the 2008 Subaru Outback petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?