1998 Subaru Impreza 2.0L Petrol · R553 BLC
1998 Subaru Impreza (2.0L, petrol). First registered 31 Dec 1998. Recorded mileage 104,951 miles. MOT valid until 23 Mar 2027.
- Make & Model
- SUBARU IMPREZA
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 23 Mar 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 104,951 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.
R553 BLC Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 24/03/2026
- 104,951 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R553 BLC 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 1998 Subaru Impreza (R553 BLC) between September 2022 and March 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 24 March 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (4 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
Recorded failure items include: “Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))”; “Rear Reversing lamp inoperative (4.6.1 (a))”; “Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))”.
R553 BLC Mileage History
- 09/09/2022103,498 mi
- 29/08/2023104,734 mi+1,236 mi
- 29/08/2023104,734 mi
- 21/10/2025104,925 mi+191 mi
- 24/03/2026104,951 mi+26 mi
Average of roughly 411 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: 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 1998 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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