How much does a 1996 SUBARU IMPREZA cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 SUBARU IMPREZA?

The 1996 SUBARU IMPREZA has a 85% MOT pass rate based on 347 tests in 2026. This ranks 46 out of 252 cars from 1996.

Which year SUBARU IMPREZA is most reliable?

The 2016 SUBARU IMPREZA has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%. The least reliable year is 2021 at 72%.

SUBARU IMPREZA (1996)

Q: Is the 1996 SUBARU IMPREZA reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of SUBARU IMPREZAs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 347 tests. That's 3 points above the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1996 SUBARU IMPREZA?

The average mileage for a 1996 SUBARU IMPREZA is 111,892 miles, which is below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 347 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,047

£171/month

MOT Pass Rate

85%

Good

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

2000cc Petrol

Solid Option

85% pass rate, £2047/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol2000cc30 years old347 tests112k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2000cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 2000cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,047

Per month£171/mo

Per week£39/wk

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

85% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 30 years old, 85% of SUBARU IMPREZAs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 347 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 111,892 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 cars46th of 252(top 18%)

Rank among SUBARU models89th of 193(top 46%)

vs national average+3%(82% avg)

vs 1996 cars average+10%(75% avg)

vs SUBARU average+2%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

111,892

Average miles

222,000

Expected for age

The average 1996 SUBARU IMPREZA has 111,892 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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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 1996 sits between the two at 85%.

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

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

1996 · 2490cc Petrol

£2,597/year

67%

-18%

MAZDA MX-5

1998 · 1597cc Petrol

£1,827/year

75%

-10%

BMW 3 SERIES

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,017/year

79%

-6%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,017/year

75%

-10%

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About the 1996 SUBARU IMPREZA

The 1996 SUBARU IMPREZA is a family car with a 2000cc petrol engine. 347 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 18% of all 1996 cars for reliability.

With an average of 111,892 miles at 30 years old, SUBARU IMPREZA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1996 SUBARU IMPREZA Fuel Costs

The 2000cc 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 1996 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 85% 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 1996 SUBARU IMPREZA

At 30 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1996 SUBARU IMPREZA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 30 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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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

Watch out

With an average of 112k 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 risk

High-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 risk

Always 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 1996 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(1996)	85%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2047
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1996)	67%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2597+£550
MAZDA MX-5(1998)	75%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£220
BMW 3 SERIES(1998)	79%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£30
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£30

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.