SUBARU FORESTER (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 44 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
64%
Total Tests (2024)
44
Avg Mileage
134,428 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 1997 SUBARU FORESTER reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 18 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUBARU brand average of 83%.
At 27 years old, 64% of SUBARU FORESTERs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 44 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 134,428 miles.
How does the 1997 SUBARU FORESTER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 SUBARU FORESTER has 134,428 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a SUBARU FORESTER?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 71%. The 1997 sits between the two at 64%.
How much does a 1997 SUBARU FORESTER cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
SUBARU FORESTER by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 88% | 73 | 55,047 mi |
| 2020 | 89% | 117 | 56,363 mi |
| 2019 | 92% | 968 | 40,774 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 1,617 | 49,495 mi |
| 2017 | 88% | 1,501 | 59,999 mi |
| 2016 | 84% | 2,034 | 68,939 mi |
| 2015 | 83% | 1,719 | 75,172 mi |
| 2014 | 81% | 2,046 | 85,284 mi |
| 2013 | 78% | 1,244 | 95,454 mi |
| 2012 | 75% | 518 | 104,981 mi |
| 2011 | 78% | 1,406 | 110,401 mi |
| 2010 | 73% | 1,393 | 109,597 mi |
| 2009 | 72% | 837 | 108,694 mi |
| 2008 | 80% | 905 | 108,470 mi |
| 2007 | 75% | 1,559 | 109,753 mi |
| 2006 | 75% | 1,646 | 117,944 mi |
| 2005 | 74% | 1,750 | 122,626 mi |
| 2004 | 75% | 1,456 | 125,021 mi |
| 2003 | 71% | 1,132 | 133,554 mi |
| 2002 | 76% | 465 | 125,771 mi |
| 2001 | 72% | 391 | 122,762 mi |
| 2000 | 72% | 315 | 124,647 mi |
| 1999 | 77% | 344 | 125,516 mi |
| 1998 | 74% | 242 | 118,976 mi |
| 1997 | 64% | 44 | 134,428 mi |
Checking a specific SUBARU FORESTER?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 SUBARU FORESTER
The 1997 SUBARU FORESTER is a family car with a 1994cc petrol engine. 44 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 94% of 1997 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 134,428 miles at 27 years old, SUBARU FORESTER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 SUBARU FORESTER Fuel Costs
The 1994cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1997 SUBARU FORESTER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 64% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
SUBARU FORESTER Reliability Trend
Newer SUBARU FORESTERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 SUBARU FORESTER
At 27 years old, the SUBARU FORESTER 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. Note: with only 44 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 SUBARU FORESTER
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (+3%) from 8,643 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+9%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+7%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+14%) from 7,815 tests