2004 Subaru Impreza 2.0L Petrol · YR04 CAA

The 2004 Subaru Impreza presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass at the most recent MOT on 7 January 2026 at 148,227 miles. The tester recorded zero defects, indicating the vehicle currently meets all required safety and emissions standards. A prior test on 5 January 2024 at 147,446 miles resulted in a failure, yet the record shows no specific defects listed, suggesting an administrative or procedural issue rather than a mechanical fault. The subsequent retest on 9 January 2024 passed cleanly, reinforcing the vehicle's sound mechanical state. The mileage accumulation aligns closely with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, averaging roughly 6,738 miles per year. Between the January 2023 test at 146,433 miles and the January 2024 test at 147,447 miles, the car covered just over 1,000 miles, indicating a period of very light use or potential standing. The gap between the January 2024 test and the December 2024 test at 147,939 miles shows a slight uptick in usage, accumulating 493 miles in nearly twelve months. The most recent test in January 2026 recorded 148,227 miles, meaning the vehicle has traveled only 288 miles in the preceding thirteen months, pointing to extremely light recent use or prolonged periods of inactivity. Despite the clean MOT record, a 22-year-old Subaru requires careful physical inspection, particularly given the low recent mileage. Prolonged standing can cause brake calipers to bind, tyres to develop flat spots, and suspension bushes to perish. Buyers should closely examine the undercarriage for structural corrosion, a common issue for vehicles of this era, paying close attention to the sills, subframes, and brake lines. The lack of recurring mechanical advisories in the record implies diligent basic upkeep, but a thorough inspection of the drivetrain, exhaust system, and rubber components remains essential to verify the vehicle's long-term structural integrity.