2009 Subaru Impreza: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Subaru Impreza?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Subaru Impreza than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)3.6× usual
  Subaru Impreza

  6.5% All 2009 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 1.7% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints7.3× usual
  Subaru Impreza

  5.1% All 2009 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Transmission oil leaks2.2× usual
  Subaru Impreza

  2.4% All 2009 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2009 Subaru Impreza MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Subaru Impreza MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  35% 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
  21% 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.

• Tyres
  20% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  18% 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
  15% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 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 exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2009 Subaru Impreza as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 7.3× as often on the 2009 Subaru Impreza as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2009 Subaru Impreza as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?