1999 Subaru Impreza · 3,417 MOT tests
1999 Subaru Impreza reliability
1999 Subaru Imprezas fail 23.3% of first MOT tests, 40% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 13 Impreza years (3,417 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Subaru Imprezas: 25%)
- 23.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Subaru Imprezas: 25%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 40% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- 108,826
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,417
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1999 against the years either side
- 1998 cars: 47% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does worse)
- 2000 cars: 40% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 8.2% of tests fail here (6% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 71% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1999 Subaru Impreza
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics9.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks8.2%
- Suspension8.2%
- Brakes4.8%
- Body, chassis and structure4.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.7%
- Steering2.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 3.25%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 2.28%
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 1.55%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Steering rack gaiter no longer sealed 1.4%
A damaged gaiter lets dirt into the steering rack, causing wear and possibly costly repairs later.
Position lamp not working 1.35%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Stop lamp not working 1.26%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (5.41%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (4.39%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (4.39%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.27%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.95%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (3.16%)
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 1999 Subaru Impreza reliable?
1999 Subaru Imprezas fail 23.3% of first MOT tests, 40% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 13 Impreza years (3,417 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1999 Subaru Impreza MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (3.25% of tests), lambda reading outside specified limits (2.28% of tests), carbon monoxide high after fast idle (1.55% of tests).
How many miles should a 1999 Subaru Impreza have done?
At its MOT aged about 24, a typical 1999 Subaru Impreza shows 108,826 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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