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SUBARU FORESTER (2001)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 391 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1994cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Petrol1994cc25 years old391 tests123k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1994cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327
Road Tax

Based on 1994cc

£315
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,197
Per month£183/mo
Per week£42/wk

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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUBARU brand average of 83%.

At 25 years old, 72% of SUBARU FORESTERs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 391 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 122,762 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 cars198th of 362(top 55%)
Rank among SUBARU models173th of 193(top 90%)
vs national average-10%(82% avg)
vs 2001 cars average-1%(73% avg)
vs SUBARU average-11%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

122,762

Average miles

vs

185,000

Expected for age

The average 2001 SUBARU FORESTER has 122,762 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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 2019 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2001 sits between the two at 72%.

SUBARU FORESTER by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202188%7355,047 mi
202089%11756,363 mi
201992%96840,774 mi
201890%1,61749,495 mi
201788%1,50159,999 mi
201684%2,03468,939 mi
201583%1,71975,172 mi
201481%2,04685,284 mi
201378%1,24495,454 mi
201275%518104,981 mi
201178%1,406110,401 mi
201073%1,393109,597 mi
200972%837108,694 mi
200880%905108,470 mi
200775%1,559109,753 mi
200675%1,646117,944 mi
200574%1,750122,626 mi
200475%1,456125,021 mi
200371%1,132133,554 mi
200276%465125,771 mi
200172%391122,762 mi
200072%315124,647 mi
199977%344125,516 mi
199874%242118,976 mi
199764%44134,428 mi

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About the 2001 SUBARU FORESTER

The 2001 SUBARU FORESTER is a family car with a 1994cc petrol engine. 391 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 122,762 miles at 25 years old, SUBARU FORESTER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2001 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 2001 SUBARU FORESTER?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

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 2001 SUBARU FORESTER

At 25 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2001 SUBARU FORESTER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 25 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 123k 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.

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 2001 SUBARU FORESTER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
SUBARU FORESTER(2001)72%£1327£315Grp 18-32£2197
MINI MINI(2003)72%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1827-£370
FORD FOCUS(2003)68%£1137£135Grp 12-25£2027-£170
HONDA CIVIC(2002)72%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1827-£370
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2002)69%£1137£135Grp 12-25£2027-£170

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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