1997 Subaru Impreza 2.0L Petrol · R250 FNC
1997 Subaru Impreza (2.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Jan 2001. Recorded mileage 131,656 miles. MOT expired on 21 Dec 2016.
- Make & Model
- SUBARU IMPREZA
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 21 Dec 2016
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Mar 2017)
- Recorded Mileage
- 131,656 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.
R250 FNC Key Findings
- 13 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 22/12/2015
- 131,656 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 6 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (17 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R250 FNC MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
13 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Subaru Impreza (R250 FNC) between April 2006 and December 2015.
The record contains 7 passes and 6 failures.
The most recent test on 22 December 2015 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 6 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (17 issues), Brakes (13 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (8 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 12 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: “Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)”; “Nearside Rear Tyre has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b)”; “Offside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)”.
R250 FNC Mileage History
- 07/04/2006103,555 mi
- 01/05/2007110,851 mi+7,296 mi
- 02/05/2007110,884 km
- 29/04/2008124,063 mi
- 03/05/2008124,389 km
- 03/05/2008124,389 km
- 15/07/2009129,351 mi
- 07/08/2009129,581 mi+230 mi
- 06/08/2010130,156 mi+575 mi
- 18/08/2010130,156 mi
- 17/07/2012130,525 mi+369 mi
- 22/12/2015131,656 mi+1,131 mi
- 22/12/2015131,656 mi
Average of roughly 2,894 miles per year across 13 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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