SUBARU IMPREZA (1993)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 36 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,047
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Good
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1820cc Petrol
Solid Option
86% pass rate, £2047/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1820cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 33 years old, 86% of SUBARU IMPREZAs from 1993 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 36 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 92,697 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
92,697
Average miles
244,200
Expected for age
The average 1993 SUBARU IMPREZA has 92,697 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2021 model has the lowest at 72%. The 1993 sits between the two at 86%.
SUBARU IMPREZA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 72% | 82 | 74,592 mi | |
| 2020 | 91% | 128 | 75,896 mi | |
| 2019 | 90% | 343 | 53,725 mi | |
| 2018 | 91% | 329 | 44,855 mi | |
| 2017 | 91% | 210 | 60,514 mi | |
| 2016 | 92% | 325 | 62,451 mi | |
| 2015 | 88% | 346 | 66,732 mi | |
| 2014 | 84% | 234 | 65,423 mi | |
| 2013 | 90% | 134 | 77,231 mi | |
| 2012 | 88% | 154 | 64,127 mi | |
| 2011 | 84% | 417 | 77,422 mi | |
| 2010 | 85% | 1,591 | 88,108 mi | |
| 2009 | 83% | 1,498 | 88,078 mi | |
| 2008 | 81% | 1,984 | 95,457 mi | |
| 2007 | 81% | 3,447 | 94,086 mi | |
| 2006 | 82% | 3,346 | 99,363 mi | |
| 2005 | 82% | 4,111 | 104,834 mi | |
| 2004 | 84% | 3,460 | 104,585 mi | |
| 2003 | 82% | 3,280 | 108,355 mi | |
| 2002 | 84% | 1,991 | 109,552 mi | |
| 2001 | 82% | 1,688 | 113,881 mi | |
| 2000 | 83% | 1,600 | 107,364 mi | |
| 1999 | 83% | 2,069 | 110,144 mi | |
| 1998 | 84% | 1,185 | 107,969 mi | |
| 1997 | 83% | 731 | 102,415 mi | |
| 1996 | 85% | 347 | 111,892 mi | |
| 1995 | 87% | 209 | 102,719 mi | |
| 1994 | 81% | 124 | 113,726 mi | |
| 1993 | 86% | 36 | 92,697 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1993 SUBARU IMPREZA
The 1993 SUBARU IMPREZA is a family car with a 1820cc petrol engine. 36 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 21% of all 1993 cars for reliability.
With an average of 92,697 miles at 33 years old, SUBARU IMPREZA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1993 SUBARU IMPREZA Fuel Costs
The 1820cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1993 SUBARU IMPREZA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SUBARU IMPREZA Reliability Trend
Newer SUBARU IMPREZAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1993 SUBARU IMPREZA
At 33 years old, the SUBARU IMPREZA is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. Note: with only 36 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1993 SUBARU IMPREZA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 33 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 93k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 1993 SUBARU IMPREZA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUBARU IMPREZA(1993) | 86% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2047 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£180 |
| PEUGEOT BOXER(1995) | 68% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217+£170 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1995) | 74% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£30 |
| MERCEDES E(1994) | 79% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397+£350 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Subaru Models
Explore other Subaru cars or similar models in the same category.
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VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
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PEUGEOT BOXER
1995 · 1998cc Petrol
MAZDA MX-5
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