Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2018 Subaru 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 2018 Subaru 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 2018 Subaru 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 2018 Subaru 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 Wrx (2018)

105 real MOT outcomes analysed • 95.7% first-time pass rate

2018 Subaru Wrx

CarHunch analysed 105 real MOT records for the 2018 Subaru Wrx. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

Generally reliable 15.7% above UK average

95.7%

pass MOT first time

UK average: ~80%

18,742

typical mileage

10,718–31,026 middle half

3.8%

ever had a dangerous defect

recorded at any MOT

0.25

avg MOT failures per car

over 4.9 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2018 Subaru 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 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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Mileage Distribution

Most 2018 Subaru 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.

10,718

low mileage

18,742

typical

31,026

high mileage

Half of all 2018 Subaru Wrx vehicles fall between 10,718 and 31,026 miles.

2018 Subaru Wrx — Still on the Road

Strong survival — 87 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 90% of the peak.

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2021–2025.

MOT History Averages

4.9

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.25

Avg failures per vehicle

1.6

Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 2018 Subaru Wrx

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

32.3%

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
30.9%

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
21%

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
20.5%

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
15.7%

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
12.5%

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
7.4%

COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION
7.3%

Offside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2018. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Subaru Wrx?

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

Other model years — Subaru Wrx:

2011 2014 2015 2016 2017