2008 Subaru Impreza · 3,865 MOT tests
2008 Subaru Impreza reliability
2008 Subaru Imprezas fail 26.9% of first MOT tests, 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 13 Impreza years (3,865 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Subaru Imprezas: 25%)
- 26.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Subaru Imprezas: 25%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 35% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 90,798
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,865
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- 2009 cars: 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 9.1% of tests fail here (55% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: tyres, 53% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2008 car carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
Common problems
What fails on a 2008 Subaru Impreza
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics11.6%
- Suspension9.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.1%
- Brakes5.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.9%
- Body, chassis and structure3.5%
- Tyres3.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 4.73%
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 3.16%
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 2.15%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.81%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 1.58%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 1.55%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Common advisories
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (12.42%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.99%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.55%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.64%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.05%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (4.89%)
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 2008 Subaru Impreza reliable?
2008 Subaru Imprezas fail 26.9% of first MOT tests, 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 13 Impreza years (3,865 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Subaru Impreza MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (4.73% of tests), lambda reading outside specified limits (3.16% of tests), carbon monoxide high after fast idle (2.15% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Subaru Impreza have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Subaru Impreza shows 90,798 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2008 car?
A car first registered in 2008 carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
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