Subaru Impreza (2009)
2009 Subaru Impreza
CarHunch analysed 1,198 real MOT records for the 2009 Subaru Impreza. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2009 Impreza passes its MOT slightly more often than average—83.1% versus the UK's 80%—but nearly 29% have recorded dangerous defects at some point, which is a serious concern for a used buyer and well above typical. Petrol versions hold a modest advantage over diesels, passing first time in 83.3% of cases compared to 80.8%.
At nearly 64,000 miles on average, these cars are showing their age appropriately for a 2009, yet they're averaging 2.44 failures per test and 15.6 advisories, suggesting corrosion and wear are catching up. Before buying, get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically checks the suspension and undercarriage—Subarus of this era are prone to rust—and factor in likely repair costs given the advisory count.
What to check before buying a 2009 Subaru Impreza
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.
- ⚠️ 28.7% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 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
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (90%) | 1,084 | 83.3% | 2.45 |
| Diesel (9%) | 111 | 80.8% | 2.39 |
| Other (0%) | 2 | 91.7% | 0.5 |
| LPG (0%) | 1 | 88.9% | 1 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2009 Subaru Impreza 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 2009 Subaru Impreza vehicles fall between 45,030 and 75,924 miles.
2009 Subaru Impreza — Still on the Road
642 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 62% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2009 Subaru Impreza
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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34.9%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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33.7%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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33.2%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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32.6%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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32.5%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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23.8%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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23.6%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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23.2%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2009. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Subaru Impreza?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.