2004 Subaru Impreza · 6,681 MOT tests
2004 Subaru Impreza reliability
2004 Subaru Imprezas fail 24.1% of first MOT tests, 44% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 13 Impreza years (6,681 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Subaru Imprezas: 25%)
- 24.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Subaru Imprezas: 25%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 44% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 101,174
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 6,681
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 40% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- 2005 cars: 42% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 8.4% of tests fail here (14% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: brakes, 61% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Subaru Impreza
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics11.7%
- Suspension9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks8.4%
- Brakes5.2%
- Body, chassis and structure4.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.2%
- Tyres2.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 3.02%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 2.78%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Position lamp not working 2.5%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 2.38%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.23%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 1.87%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.81%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (7.44%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.88%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (3.67%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (3.55%) · Brake pads wearing thin (3.46%)
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 2004 Subaru Impreza reliable?
2004 Subaru Imprezas fail 24.1% of first MOT tests, 44% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 13 Impreza years (6,681 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Subaru Impreza MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (3.02% of tests), headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (2.78% of tests), position lamp not working (2.5% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Subaru Impreza have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2004 Subaru Impreza shows 101,174 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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