1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Subaru Impreza MOT pass rate and common faults

420 MOT tests in 2024. 78.3% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

121Well above average
Passed first time78.3%
Failed or needed repairs21.7%
Typical mileage at test103,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 420 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.8%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.6%
  3. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.6%
  4. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.4%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.1%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.9%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.9%
  8. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced1.4%
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits1.4%
  10. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened1.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension12.4%
  2. Emissions & leaks11.9%
  3. Lights & electrics11.0%
  4. Brakes8.1%
  5. Body & chassis5.7%
  6. Steering3.1%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.6%
  8. Tyres1.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.0%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded8.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.0%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm5.7%

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: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. 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 1998 Subaru Impreza?

In 2024, 78.3% of 1998 Subaru Impreza cars passed their MOT first time, across 420 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Subaru Impreza?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; service brake performance: excessively binding. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 1998 Subaru Impreza reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 121, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).