CarCostCheck

SUBARU FORESTER (2003)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,132 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

71%

Total Tests (2024)

1,132

Avg Mileage

133,554 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£2,017

Is the 2003 SUBARU FORESTER reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUBARU brand average of 83%.

At 21 years old, 71% of SUBARU FORESTERs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,132 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 133,554 miles.

How does the 2003 SUBARU FORESTER compare?

Rank among all 2003 cars273th out of 445(top 61%)
Rank among all SUBARU models177th out of 193(top 92%)
vs national average-11% (82% avg)
vs 2003 cars average-1% (72% avg)
vs SUBARU average-12% (83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2003 SUBARU FORESTER has 133,554 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.

How much does a 2003 SUBARU FORESTER cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 1994cc)
£1,327
🏛️Road Tax
£135
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs

Higher than average due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,017
Per month£168/mo

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

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

Checking a specific SUBARU FORESTER?

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About the 2003 SUBARU FORESTER

The 2003 SUBARU FORESTER is a family car with a 1994cc petrol engine. 1,132 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 133,554 miles at 21 years old, SUBARU FORESTER owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 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 2003 SUBARU FORESTER?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% 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 2003 SUBARU FORESTER

At 21 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.

Alternatives to the 2003 SUBARU FORESTER

If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines: