Subaru 1.8 4WD Gl (1988)
1988 Subaru 1.8 4WD Gl
CarHunch analysed 1,153 real MOT records for the 1988 Subaru 1.8 4WD Gl. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1988 Subaru has a catastrophically low first-time pass rate of just 0.1%, compared to the UK average of 80%—essentially every vehicle in this cohort is failing its MOT. No dangerous defects were recorded across the 1,153 vehicles analysed, so the failures are likely wear-and-tear issues typical of 36-year-old cars rather than safety hazards.
The median mileage of 107,662 miles is high for the age, suggesting these are well-used survivors, and the near-zero failures and advisories per vehicle indicate that when they do pass, they're relatively sound underneath. If you're considering one, expect it to need substantial remedial work before it'll pass an MOT—budget for a pre-purchase inspection and factor in realistic repair costs before committing.
What to check before buying a 1988 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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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 1,152 | 0.2% | 0.01 |
| Diesel (0%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1988 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 1988 Subaru 1.8 4WD Gl vehicles fall between 71,363 and 107,662 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.