Subaru Impreza (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 347 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,411

£201/month

MOT Pass Rate

85%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

2000cc Petrol

Solid Option

85% pass rate, £2,411/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2000cc30 years old347 tests112k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2000cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,411

Per month£201/mo

Per week£46/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

85% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

85% of MOT tests on Subaru Imprezas from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 347 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 111,892 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models44th of 243(top 19%)

Rank among Subaru models84th of 184(top half)

vs average of all models+3%(82% avg)

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

vs Subaru average+2%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

111,892

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Subaru Impreza had 111,892 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 81%. The 1996 scores 85%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Mazda MX-5

1998 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,328/year

75%

-10%

BMW 3 Series

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

-6%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

-10%

Volkswagen Golf

1998 · 1984cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-14%

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About the 1996 Subaru Impreza

The 1996 Subaru Impreza is a family car. Our records list a 2000cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 347 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 19% of all 1996 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 111,892 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1996 Subaru Impreza?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,411 (£201/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

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

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Subaru Impreza(1996)	85%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411
Mazda MX-5(1998)	75%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£83
BMW 3 Series(1998)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£150
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£150
Volkswagen Golf(1998)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1996 Subaru Impreza

Is the 1996 Subaru Impreza reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 1996 Subaru Imprezas ended in a pass, from 347 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Subaru Impreza cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,411 a year (£201 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Subaru Impreza?

85% of 347 MOT tests on the 1996 Subaru Impreza ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 44th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (top 19%).

Which year Subaru Impreza has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 Subaru Impreza has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 1994 the lowest at 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1996 Subaru Impreza?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Subaru Impreza is 111,892 miles, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.