Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2002 Subaru Impreza Wrx?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2002 Subaru Impreza Wrx?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2002 Subaru Impreza Wrx?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2002 Subaru Impreza Wrx?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Subaru Impreza Wrx (2002)

236 real MOT outcomes analysed • 43.2% first-time pass rate

2002 Subaru Impreza Wrx

CarHunch analysed 236 real MOT records for the 2002 Subaru Impreza Wrx. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

Below average reliability 36.8% below UK average

43.2%

pass MOT first time

UK average: ~80%

54,655

typical mileage

39,626–72,474 middle half

3.4%

ever had a dangerous defect

recorded at any MOT

0.65

avg MOT failures per car

over 3.1 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2002 Subaru Impreza Wrx

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 Impreza Wrx

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection

Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying →

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Petrol (84%)	199	37.3%	0.58
Other (16%)	37	75%	1.05

Mileage Distribution

Most 2002 Subaru Impreza Wrx 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.

39,626

low mileage

54,655

typical

72,474

high mileage

Half of all 2002 Subaru Impreza Wrx vehicles fall between 39,626 and 72,474 miles.

2002 Subaru Impreza Wrx — Still on the Road

19 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2024 — 66% of the peak remain.

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2024.

MOT History Averages

3.1

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.65

Avg failures per vehicle

1.7

Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Subaru Impreza Wrx?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

Other model years — Subaru Impreza Wrx:

1993 1994 1995 1996 2001 2006