2010 Subaru Impreza petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Subaru Impreza petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Subaru Impreza petrol than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints8.7× usual
  Subaru Impreza

  5.2% All 2010 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.1% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)4.2× usual
  Subaru Impreza

  5.9% All 2010 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 1.3% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for an engine warning light.

• Transmission oil leaks2.4× usual
  Subaru Impreza

  2.4% All 2010 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2010 Subaru Impreza petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Subaru Impreza petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  35% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  22% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  20% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  20% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Exhaust and emissions
  14% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 Subaru Impreza petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 8.7× as often on the 2010 Subaru Impreza petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2010 Subaru Impreza petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2010 Subaru Impreza petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?