1998 Subaru Impreza · 1,644 MOT tests
1998 Subaru Impreza reliability
1998 Subaru Imprezas fail 20.1% of first MOT tests, 47% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 13 Impreza years (1,644 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Subaru Imprezas: 25%)
- 20.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Subaru Imprezas: 25%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 47% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 105,659
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,644
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- 1999 cars: 40% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 66% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Subaru Impreza
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics8.8%
- Suspension8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6%
- Brakes5.2%
- Body, chassis and structure4.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.5%
- Steering2.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 3.71%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 1.76%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 1.7%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Steering rack gaiter no longer sealed 1.58%
A damaged gaiter lets dirt into the steering rack, causing wear and possibly costly repairs later.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.4%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Headlamp aim set too high 1.34%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.91%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (6.51%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (4.01%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.95%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (3.59%)
Other years
Every Subaru Impreza year
The full picture: Subaru Impreza reliability. Before you pay for any Subaru Impreza, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1998 Subaru Impreza reliable?
1998 Subaru Imprezas fail 20.1% of first MOT tests, 47% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 13 Impreza years (1,644 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Subaru Impreza MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (3.71% of tests), lambda reading outside specified limits (1.76% of tests), carbon monoxide high after fast idle (1.7% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Subaru Impreza have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 Subaru Impreza shows 105,659 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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