1997 Subaru Impreza 2.0L Petrol · R120 BBY
1997 Subaru Impreza (2.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 143,610 miles. MOT expired on 12 Aug 2026.
- Make & Model
- SUBARU IMPREZA
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 12 Aug 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 143,610 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
R120 BBY Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 14/08/2025
- 143,610 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring bodywork & corrosion items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R120 BBY MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Subaru Impreza (R120 BBY) between July 2022 and August 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 14 August 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Bodywork (4 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 5 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
R120 BBY Mileage History
- 21/07/2022139,166 mi
- 18/06/2024139,255 mi+89 mi
- 18/06/2024139,255 mi
- 14/08/2025143,610 mi+4,355 mi
Average of roughly 1,449 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Subaru Subaru Impreza Mk1 (GC/GF)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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SUBARU IMPREZA Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1997 model year cars.
- Rear Wheel Arch and Sill CorrosionSerious
The Mk1 Impreza is notorious for rust starting in the rear arches and spreading to the sills and chassis rails.
- Head Gasket Failure (2.5L NA Imports)Serious
While rare on UK 2.0L cars, 2.5L non-turbo Japanese imports (RS models) frequently suffer internal head gasket failure.
- MAF Sensor Failure (Turbo Models)Serious
On Turbo models, a failing Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor can cause the engine to run dangerously "lean", potentially leading to engine failure.
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