Subaru 1.8 4WD Gl (1987)
1987 Subaru 1.8 4WD Gl
CarHunch analysed 1,054 real MOT records for the 1987 Subaru 1.8 4WD Gl. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
Only 40% of these 1987 Subarus pass first time, less than half the UK average of 80%, which is a significant red flag for prospective buyers. The complete absence of dangerous defects recorded across 1,054 vehicles is genuinely positive, but the extremely poor pass rate suggests chronic issues with basic maintenance or component wear that aren't safety-critical but are frequent enough to trip MOT testers consistently.
With median mileage sitting at 62,546 miles for a 37-year-old vehicle, these Subarus have been relatively well-preserved, yet they're still failing MOTs at double the national rate—pointing to age-related decay rather than abuse. Before purchasing, have a pre-buy inspection done by a Subaru specialist to identify what's actually failing; the patterns suggest it's likely suspension, lighting, or emissions-related issues that could become expensive to remedy across multiple systems.
What to check before buying a 1987 Subaru 1.8 4WD Gl
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Subaru 1.8 4WD Gl
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1987 Subaru 1.8 4WD Gl vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1987 Subaru 1.8 4WD Gl vehicles fall between 45,949 and 69,180 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Subaru 1.8 4WD Gl?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.