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Subaru Svx Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults

Free Subaru Svx car check

Is the Subaru Svx reliable? We analysed 2,483 real MOT tests across 258 vehicles to find out.

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Data last updated: · Based on 2,483 real MOT tests
MOT Pass Rate
77.2%
Typical Mileage
97,408mi
Annual Mileage
1,469mi/yr
Est. Lifespan
34yrs

The Subaru Svx is above average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include constant velocity joint gaiter split, windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively and brake pipe excessively corroded. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Subaru Svx.

Subaru Svx Number Plates

Number plates registered to a Subaru Svx. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.

Subaru Svx MOT Pass Rate by Year

How likely is a Subaru Svx to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.

79.2%
2005
75.9%
2003
80.1%
1997
80.1%
1996
75.7%
1995
79.1%
1994
76.9%
1993
74.9%
1992

Subaru Svx Problems — What Goes Wrong?

The most common reasons a Subaru Svx fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.

constant velocity joint gaiter split 66
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 49
Brake pipe excessively corroded 46
Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 44
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 37
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases 34
Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick 28
Tyre has ply or cords exposed 23
Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords 23
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits 23

Subaru Svx Mileage — What's Normal?

How many miles does a typical Subaru Svx owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.

Low usage
425 mi/yr
Typical
1,469 mi/yr
Average
2,594 mi/yr
Heavy usage
3,462 mi/yr

Subaru Svx MOT Data by Registration Year

Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Subaru Svx year you're looking at.

Year Tests Pass Rate Low Mi. Typical Mi. High Mi.
2005 77 79.2% 62,392 87,546 108,219
2003 58 75.9% 58,808 66,275 85,127
1997 371 80.1% 65,654 93,628 121,243
1996 216 80.1% 64,915 87,677 118,070
1995 226 75.7% 80,860 102,994 118,398
1994 344 79.1% 79,882 101,664 131,137
1993 264 76.9% 84,724 110,605 124,232
1992 714 74.9% 76,928 97,230 119,220

How Long Does a Subaru Svx Last?

Based on 258 Subaru Svx vehicles on UK roads.

Average
19.9 years
Median
19.0 years
Estimated max lifespan
34 years

Subaru Svx Mileage Distribution

Total mileage recorded across all Subaru Svx MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.

Median
97,408 mi
75th Percentile
120,382 mi
95th Percentile
173,943 mi
Max Recorded
920,375 mi

Best Year to Buy a Used Subaru Svx

Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.

Best year
1996

80.1% MOT pass rate from 216 tests

Year to avoid
1992

74.9% MOT pass rate from 714 tests

The best year to buy a used Subaru Svx is 1996, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 80.1% across 216 tests. The 1992 model year has the lowest pass rate at 74.9% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

How Does the Subaru Svx Compare?

MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.

Model Pass Rate Tests Typical Mileage Lifespan
Subaru Svx THIS CAR 77.2% 2,483 97,408 mi 34 yrs
Subaru Impreza 75.7% 915,729 83,083 mi 33 yrs
Subaru Forester 76.1% 456,470 85,220 mi 29 yrs
Subaru Legacy 72.5% 349,986 96,000 mi 35 yrs
Vauxhall Combo Life Edition S/s 84.6% 1,179 20,792 mi — yrs

Compared to the Subaru Impreza (75.7% pass rate) and the Subaru Forester (76.1% pass rate), the Subaru Svx outperforms both on MOT reliability.

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Should you buy a used Subaru Svx?

The Subaru Svx has an overall MOT pass rate of 77.2% across 2,483 real MOT tests — comfortably above the UK average, which puts it among the more reliable models on UK roads.

The most common problems on the Subaru Svx are constant velocity joint gaiter split (66 recorded failures), windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (49), and brake pipe excessively corroded (46). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.

A typical Subaru Svx owner drives around 1,469 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.

In terms of longevity, most Subaru Svx models stay on UK roads for around 34 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.

Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.

Subaru Svx — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Subaru Svx reliable?
Based on 2,483 MOT tests, the Subaru Svx has a 77.2% pass rate — above the UK average, suggesting good reliability.
What are the common problems on a Subaru Svx?
The most common MOT failures are constant velocity joint gaiter split, windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively, and brake pipe excessively corroded. Check these on any test drive.
How many miles does a Subaru Svx do per year?
The typical Subaru Svx does around 1,469 miles per year. Anything significantly above or below this is worth investigating.
How long does a Subaru Svx last?
Most Subaru Svx models stay on UK roads for around 34 years based on our analysis of 258 vehicles.
Should I get a vehicle check before buying a Subaru Svx?
Yes. An MOT pass rate tells you about the model in general, but a vehicle history check reveals the specific car's finance, stolen, write-off and mileage history — things the seller may not disclose.
What is the best year to buy a Subaru Svx?
Based on MOT pass rates, the best year to buy a used Subaru Svx is 1996 with a 80.1% pass rate across 216 tests.