1997 Subaru Impreza 2.0L Petrol · R942 XAO
1997 Subaru Impreza (2.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 139,683 miles. MOT expired on 05 Dec 2012.
- Make & Model
- SUBARU IMPREZA
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 05 Dec 2012
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Jun 2012)
- Recorded Mileage
- 139,683 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.
R942 XAO Key Findings
- 12 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 28/11/2011
- 139,683 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (12 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R942 XAO MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
12 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Subaru Impreza (R942 XAO) between January 2006 and November 2011.
The record contains 7 passes and 5 failures.
The most recent test on 28 November 2011 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 5 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (12 issues), Tyres (5 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Brakes (3 issues), Windscreen (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Emissions not tested (7.0)”; “Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)”; “Nearside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect (2.7.5)”.
R942 XAO Mileage History
- 19/01/200698,991 mi
- 16/01/2007107,153 mi+8,162 mi
- 17/01/2007107,153 mi
- 17/01/2008118,425 mi+11,272 mi
- 22/01/2008118,542 mi+117 mi
- 13/02/2009124,289 mi+5,747 mi
- 17/02/2009124,289 mi
- 05/02/2010129,912 mi+5,623 mi
- 08/02/2010129,912 mi
- 06/12/2010133,279 mi+3,367 mi
- 21/10/2011138,928 mi+5,649 mi
- 28/11/2011139,683 mi+755 mi
Average of roughly 6,948 miles per year across 12 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (R942 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as R942XAO.
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.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.