1997 Subaru Impreza: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 Subaru Impreza?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 Subaru Impreza than on all cars registered in 1997.

• Sub-frame2.1× usual
  Subaru Impreza

  5.5% All 1997 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.1% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Steering rack2.2× usual
  Subaru Impreza

  4.3% All 1997 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 1.1% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 1997 Subaru Impreza MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Subaru Impreza MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  27% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  22% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  17% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Exhaust and emissions
  12% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Tyres
  11% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  10% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 Subaru Impreza

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1997 Subaru Impreza as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1997 Subaru Impreza as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?