1997 Subaru Impreza 2.1L Petrol · G7 TAJ
1997 Subaru Impreza (2.1L, petrol). First registered 19 Mar 1997. Recorded mileage 188,161 miles. MOT valid until 22 Jun 2027.
- Make & Model
- SUBARU IMPREZA
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Maidstone
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 22 Jun 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 188,161 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.1L
- 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.
G7 TAJ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 24/06/2026
- 188,161 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring exhaust & emissions items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
G7 TAJ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Subaru Impreza (G7 TAJ) between June 2023 and June 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 24 June 2026 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: Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
Recorded failure items include: “Front Exhaust catalytic converter missing where one was fitted as standard (8.2.2.1 (a))”; “Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))”; “Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))”.
G7 TAJ Mileage History
- 07/06/2023187,263 mi
- 14/06/2024187,811 mi+548 mi
- 02/06/2025188,132 mi+321 mi
- 07/06/2025188,146 mi+14 mi
- 24/06/2026188,161 mi+15 mi
Average of roughly 295 miles per year across 5 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: Good
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
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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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