CarCostCheck

SUBARU IMPREZA (1996)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 347 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

85%

Total Tests (2024)

347

Avg Mileage

111,892 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£1,867

Is the 1996 SUBARU IMPREZA reliable?

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

At 28 years old, 85% of SUBARU IMPREZAs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 347 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 111,892 miles.

How does the 1996 SUBARU IMPREZA compare?

Rank among all 1996 cars46th out of 252(top 18%)
Rank among all SUBARU models89th out 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

The average 1996 SUBARU IMPREZA has 111,892 miles on the clock, 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.

Best year to buy a SUBARU IMPREZA?

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%.

How much does a 1996 SUBARU IMPREZA cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 2000cc)
£1,327
🏛️Road Tax
£135
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£1,867
Per month£156/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

SUBARU IMPREZA by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202172%8274,592 mi
202091%12875,896 mi
201990%34353,725 mi
201891%32944,855 mi
201791%21060,514 mi
201692%32562,451 mi
201588%34666,732 mi
201484%23465,423 mi
201390%13477,231 mi
201288%15464,127 mi
201184%41777,422 mi
201085%1,59188,108 mi
200983%1,49888,078 mi
200881%1,98495,457 mi
200781%3,44794,086 mi
200682%3,34699,363 mi
200582%4,111104,834 mi
200484%3,460104,585 mi
200382%3,280108,355 mi
200284%1,991109,552 mi
200182%1,688113,881 mi
200083%1,600107,364 mi
199983%2,069110,144 mi
199884%1,185107,969 mi
199783%731102,415 mi
199685%347111,892 mi
199587%209102,719 mi
199481%124113,726 mi
199386%3692,697 mi

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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 2024, 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 28 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 £1,867 (£156/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 28 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%.

Alternatives to the 1996 SUBARU IMPREZA

The SUBARU IMPREZA is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines: