Subaru Forester (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 44 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,761

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

64%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1994cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

64% pass rate, £2,761/year to run. 18 points below average.

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Petrol1994cc29 years old44 tests134k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1994cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,761

Per month£230/mo

Per week£53/wk

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

64% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 18 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Subaru brand average of 83%.

64% of MOT tests on Subaru Foresters from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 44 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 134,428 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models289th of 306(bottom 6%)

Rank among Subaru models182nd of 184(bottom 2%)

vs average of all models-18%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average-11%(75% avg)

vs Subaru average-19%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

134,428

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Subaru Forester had 134,428 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 71%. The 1997 scores 64%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

+9%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

+7%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+14%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

+11%

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About the 1997 Subaru Forester

The 1997 Subaru Forester is a family car. Our records list a 1994cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 44 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 6% of 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 134,428 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,631 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 1997 Subaru Forester?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,761 (£230/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1997 Subaru Forester

At 29 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.

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 out

At 29 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.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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

Watch out

With an average of 134k 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 risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 64% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 1997 Subaru Forester 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 Forester(1997)	64%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,761
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£433
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£200
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£127
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£200

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 1997 Subaru Forester

Is the 1997 Subaru Forester reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 64% of MOT tests on 1997 Subaru Foresters ended in a pass, from 44 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 18 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Subaru Forester cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,761 a year (£230 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Subaru Forester?

64% of 44 MOT tests on the 1997 Subaru Forester ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 289th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom 6%).

Which year Subaru Forester has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Subaru Forester has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2003 the lowest at 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Subaru Forester?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Subaru Forester is 134,428 miles, 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.