IsItAGoodCar
Official DVLA Record

1997 Subaru Impreza 2.0L Petrol · L555 ABW

L555 ABW

1997 Subaru Impreza (2.0L, petrol). First registered 31 Dec 1997. Recorded mileage 76,897 miles. MOT expired on 27 Apr 2023.

Make & Model
SUBARU IMPREZA
Year / Origin
1997 · Stanmore (Wimbledon)
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Expired on 27 Apr 2023
Road Tax
—
Recorded Mileage
76,897 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 2.0L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 27 Apr 2023
Tax Status
Check Tax
Click to check rates
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
1997
Engine
1994cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The 2003 Subaru Impreza exhibits a stable roadworthiness trend based on its MOT history, with all tests from 2012 to 2022 passing without defects. The most recent MOT on 2022-04-29 at 76,897 miles recorded no issues, suggesting the vehicle has been maintained to a standard compliant with UK regulations. However, the absence of MOT records post-2022 raises concerns about potential undetected mechanical or structural degradation over the past four years. The lack of recent data means critical components such as suspension, brakes, and exhaust systems cannot be independently verified for wear or corrosion. The vehicle’s mileage of 76,897 miles at 23 years old equates to an average of 3,343 miles annually, significantly lower than typical usage for its age. This suggests either infrequent use or prolonged periods of inactivity, which can accelerate wear on rubber components, electrical systems, and corrosion-prone areas. Notably, the MOT records show minimal mileage progression between 2012 (72,804 miles) and 2015 (75,920 miles), followed by a seven-year gap until 2022. Such sparse testing intervals limit the ability to track gradual issues like suspension bush wear, brake disc warping, or exhaust system deterioration. A buyer should prioritise inspecting the vehicle’s structural integrity, particularly for rust in the chassis and body seams, which can worsen during periods of inactivity. Suspension components, including coil springs and bushings, may require closer scrutiny for fatigue or deformation. Brake systems should be checked for caliper binding or uneven disc wear, common in low-mileage vehicles. Additionally, the exhaust system’s corrosion resistance and the condition of the battery, tyres, and fluid levels—often neglected in stored vehicles—demand thorough evaluation. The MOT history confirms no active faults, but the extended gap since 2022 necessitates a professional inspection to confirm ongoing roadworthiness.
Used Car Buyer Alert1 in 3 UK cars has hidden active finance or write-off history

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.

£20,000 Experian Guarantee· 80+ check points · Instant results

L555 ABW Key Findings

  • 14 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 29/04/2022
  • 76,897 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 4 historical MOT failures
  • No defects recorded at the latest MOT
  • Recurring exhaust & emissions items (7 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

L555 ABW MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 6 Nov 2026, 00:25
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

14 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Subaru Impreza (L555 ABW) between January 2006 and April 2022.

The record contains 10 passes and 4 failures.

The most recent test on 29 April 2022 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 4 failures that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Exhaust & Emissions (7 issues), Bodywork (3 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

Recorded failure items include: “Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)”; “Offside Rear Wheel nut(s) missing (4.2.A.1e)”; “Offside Inner Front constant velocity joint gaiter insecure to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

L555 ABW Mileage History

  1. 04/01/200642,889 mi
  2. 20/05/200642,943 mi+54 mi
  3. 14/06/200755,343 mi+12,400 mi
  4. 14/06/200755,343 mi
  5. 16/10/200866,211 mi+10,868 mi
  6. 16/10/200866,211 mi
  7. 04/10/200970,410 mi+4,199 mi
  8. 29/09/201072,021 mi+1,611 mi
  9. 28/05/201272,794 mi+773 mi
  10. 28/05/201272,804 mi+10 mi
  11. 12/09/201372,971 mi+167 mi
  12. 12/09/201474,880 mi+1,909 mi
  13. 12/09/201575,920 mi+1,040 mi
  14. 29/04/202276,897 mi+977 mi

Average of roughly 2,084 miles per year across 14 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

Estimate current market value

Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
60
/ 100 · Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: 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.

MOT Expired or Failed
Tax Status Unknown
Exceptional MOT pass rate (100%)
Older vehicle
Experian Provenance Check

Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.

Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

Comprehensive register checks across Experian, MIAFTR, Police National Computer, and DVLA records.

CHECK REQUIRED

OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

Checks Experian asset registers to identify any active PCP, HP, or loan agreements.

Experian Asset Register: [Query Required]
Agreements & Lender Search: [Check to Reveal]
Experian Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

Checks the UK insurance total loss register for Category A, B, S, or N write-offs.

MIAFTR Insurance Database: [Query Required]
Write-Off Category & Date: [Check to Reveal]
MIAFTR Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

Police PNC

Searches the UK Police National Computer (PNC) for active stolen vehicle reports.

Police National Computer: [Query Required]
Active Stolen Marker Search: [Check to Reveal]
Police Computer:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

SALVAGE & AUCTION

Salvage Registers

Cross-checks major UK salvage databases to identify if this vehicle has ever been listed in a salvage auction.

Salvage Auction Registries: [Query Required]
Trade Auction Disposal Lots: [Check to Reveal]
Salvage Registries:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

Checks vehicle registration records to verify if this vehicle was imported from abroad.

Import & Prior VRM Register: [Query Required]
Country of Origin Audit: [Check to Reveal]
Import Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

Checks whether the vehicle has been marked for permanent or temporary export from the UK.

Customs & Export Register: [Query Required]
UK Road Eligibility Marker: [Check to Reveal]
Export Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

Validates whether the car has been surrendered or notified as scrapped to an Authorized Treatment Facility.

Scrappage & ATF Register: [Query Required]
Disposal Notification Check: [Check to Reveal]
Scrappage Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

Confirms whether a statutory Certificate of Destruction has been issued against this chassis.

Certificate of Destruction Register: [Query Required]
Statutory Scrapping Decrees: [Check to Reveal]
Destruction Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

Audits number of registered keepers and latest V5C logbook issue date.

DVLA Logbook Issue Date: [Query Required]
Previous Keepers Count: [Check to Reveal]
DVLA Keeper Master:QUERY REQUIRED
£20,000 Experian Data Guarantee Included

Avoid an Average £4,200 Loss on Undisclosed Vehicle Risks

Free DVLA records only confirm basic tax and MOT roadworthiness. 1 in 3 UK cars has hidden PCP/HP finance, insurance write-off categories, or unrecorded salvage history. Run the full check across all 9 registers with £20,000 Experian data guarantee protection.

HPI Check
£19.99
Single vehicle check
carVertical
£37.99
Single report
RAC Check
£14.99
Standard history
BEST VALUE
IsItAGoodCar
£8.99
Save over 55%
Instant on-screen report Official PDF emailed £20k Experian guarantee One-off, no subscription Apple Pay / Google Pay / cards

Data provided by Experian