SUBARU IMPREZA (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,185 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
84%
Total Tests (2024)
1,185
Avg Mileage
107,969 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,867
Is the 1998 SUBARU IMPREZA reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 26 years old, 84% of SUBARU IMPREZAs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,185 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 107,969 miles.
How does the 1998 SUBARU IMPREZA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 SUBARU IMPREZA has 107,969 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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 1998 sits between the two at 84%.
How much does a 1998 SUBARU IMPREZA cost to run?
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
| 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 |
Checking a specific SUBARU IMPREZA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 SUBARU IMPREZA
The 1998 SUBARU IMPREZA is a family car with a 1995cc petrol engine. 1,185 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 19% of all 1998 cars for reliability.
With an average of 107,969 miles at 26 years old, SUBARU IMPREZA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 SUBARU IMPREZA Fuel Costs
The 1995cc 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 1998 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 84% 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 1998 SUBARU IMPREZA
At 26 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 1998 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:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-17%) from 8,643 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-11%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-13%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (-6%) from 7,815 tests