1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Subaru Impreza MOT pass rate and common faults

228 MOT tests in 2024. 75.0% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

114Well above average
Passed first time75.0%
Failed or needed repairs25.0%
Typical mileage at test109,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 228 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.8%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.5%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.5%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.2%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.2%
  6. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.2%
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.8%
  8. Rear fog lamp: not working1.8%
  9. Position lamp: not working1.8%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits1.3%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics15.8%
  2. Emissions & leaks14.0%
  3. Suspension11.4%
  4. Body & chassis9.6%
  5. Brakes7.9%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.4%
  7. Steering3.9%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded7.5%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.6%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine6.6%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.7%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Subaru Impreza?

In 2024, 75.0% of 1997 Subaru Impreza cars passed their MOT first time, across 228 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Subaru Impreza?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Subaru Impreza reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 114, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).