Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2012 Subaru Wrx Sti Tp Uk Sym Cal AWD?

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 2012 Subaru Wrx Sti Tp Uk Sym Cal AWD?

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 2012 Subaru Wrx Sti Tp Uk Sym Cal AWD?

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.

Is the 2012 Subaru Wrx Sti Tp Uk Sym Cal AWD reliable?

Based on MOT data from 100 vehicles, the 2012 Subaru Wrx Sti Tp Uk Sym Cal AWD has a first-time MOT pass rate of 88.7%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2012 Subaru Wrx Sti Tp Uk Sym Cal AWD?

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 Wrx Sti Tp Uk Sym Cal AWD (2012)

100 real MOT outcomes analysed • 88.7% first-time pass rate

2012 Subaru Wrx Sti Tp Uk Sym Cal AWD

CarHunch analysed 100 real MOT records for the 2012 Subaru Wrx Sti Tp Uk Sym Cal AWD. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

The 2012 WRX STI-TP is notably reliable for its age and class, with an 87.8% first-time pass rate that sits well above the UK average of 80%. Dangerous defects have affected 19% of the cohort, which is borderline concerning but not alarming enough to be a deal-breaker for most buyers.

These cars are running at sensible mileage for their age—averaging 52,272 miles—and the relatively low failure rate of 1.22 per vehicle suggests owners who keep up with maintenance are rewarded. However, the high advisory count of 7.8 per car points to minor wear items cropping up regularly, so budget for routine consumables and suspension checks before purchase.

We have limited data for the 2012 Subaru Wrx Sti Tp Uk Sym Cal AWD — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

88.7%

UK average ~80%

Better than average

Dangerous (ever)

19%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

1.22

Over 10.3 tests on record

High

Typical mileage

52k

Middle half: 35k–64k

For context

These stats describe 100 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 100 Subaru Wrx Sti Tp Uk Sym Cal AWD cars.

Before you buy a 2012 Subaru Wrx Sti Tp Uk Sym Cal AWD

Based on MOT data from 100 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 19% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Petrol (90%)	90	88.5%	1.32

Mileage Distribution

Most 2012 Subaru Wrx Sti Tp Uk Sym Cal AWD vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

51,569

typical

35,241

low mileage

64,241

high mileage

Half of all 2012 Subaru Wrx Sti Tp Uk Sym Cal AWD vehicles fall between 35,241 and 64,241 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 35,241 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 35,241–64,241 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2012 Subaru Wrx Sti Tp Uk Sym Cal AWDs sit.

⚠ Over 86,725 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2012 Subaru Wrx Sti Tp Uk Sym Cal AWD — Still on the Road

Almost all 2012 Subaru Wrx Sti Tp Uk Sym Cal AWDs are still on the road.

Strong survival — 78 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 91% of the peak.

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2015–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

10.3

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

1.22

Avg failures per vehicle

7.8

Avg advisories per vehicle

Compare with another model

See how the 2012 Subaru Wrx Sti Tp Uk Sym Cal AWD stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?