SUBARU B9 TRIBECA (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 112 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,577
£215/month
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Average
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
3000cc Petrol
Check Carefully
76% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 6 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3000cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUBARU brand average of 83%.
At 18 years old, 76% of SUBARU B9 TRIBECAs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 112 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 99,953 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
99,953
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 SUBARU B9 TRIBECA has 99,953 miles on the clock, 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?
The most reliable year is the 2007 model with a 77% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2008 sits between the two at 76%.
SUBARU B9 TRIBECA by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2008 SUBARU B9 TRIBECA
The 2008 SUBARU B9 TRIBECA is a large car with a 3000cc petrol engine. 112 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 99,953 miles at 18 years old, SUBARU B9 TRIBECA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2008 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2008 SUBARU B9 TRIBECA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SUBARU B9 TRIBECA Reliability Trend
Newer SUBARU B9 TRIBECAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2008 SUBARU B9 TRIBECA
At 18 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2008 SUBARU B9 TRIBECA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 18 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 100k 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 2008 SUBARU B9 TRIBECA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUBARU B9 TRIBECA(2008) | 76% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 30-42 | £2577 |
| LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2007) | 75% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£180 |
| VAUXHALL INSIGNIA(2010) | 75% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£180 |
| MERCEDES E(2010) | 80% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£330 |
| SAAB 9-3(2007) | 76% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£180 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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