Subaru B9 Tribeca (2006)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 86 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,958
£247/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£445
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 30-42
3000cc Petrol
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £2,958/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Subaru brand average of 83%.
70% of MOT tests on Subaru B9 Tribecas from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 86 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 98,218 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
98,218
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca had 98,218 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 77%, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2006 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Subaru B9 Tribeca by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
The 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca is a large car. Our records list a 3000cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 86 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 98,218 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Subaru B9 Tribeca owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Fuel Costs
The 3000cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,958 (£247/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
At 20 years old, the Subaru B9 Tribeca is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2007 model has the highest pass rate at 77%. Note: with only 86 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 20 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 98k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru B9 Tribeca(2006) | 70% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,958 |
| Land Rover Freelander(2007) | 75% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303+£345 |
| Saab 9-3(2007) | 76% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,958same |
| Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2008) | 82% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,808-£150 |
| Mercedes E(2004) | 78% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303+£345 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
Is the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2006 Subaru B9 Tribecas ended in a pass, from 86 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,958 a year (£247 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca?
70% of 86 MOT tests on the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 413th of 554 models first registered in 2006 (bottom half).
Which year Subaru B9 Tribeca has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca has the highest MOT pass rate at 77% and the 2008 the lowest at 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca is 98,218 miles, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Related Subaru Models
Explore other Subaru cars or similar models in the same category.
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