How much does a 2004 SUBARU FORESTER cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 SUBARU FORESTER?

The 2004 SUBARU FORESTER has a 75% MOT pass rate based on 1,456 tests in 2026. This ranks 207 out of 491 cars from 2004.

Which year SUBARU FORESTER is most reliable?

The 2019 SUBARU FORESTER has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%. The least reliable year is 2003 at 71%.

SUBARU FORESTER (2004)

Q: Is the 2004 SUBARU FORESTER reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of SUBARU FORESTERs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 1,456 tests. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2004 SUBARU FORESTER?

The average mileage for a 2004 SUBARU FORESTER is 125,021 miles, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,456 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1990cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol1990cc22 years old1,456 tests125k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1990cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1990cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUBARU brand average of 83%.

At 22 years old, 75% of SUBARU FORESTERs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,456 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 125,021 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars207th of 491(top 42%)

Rank among SUBARU models151th of 193(top 78%)

vs national average-7%(82% avg)

vs 2004 cars average+3%(72% avg)

vs SUBARU average-8%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

125,021

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 SUBARU FORESTER has 125,021 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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 2004 sits between the two at 75%.

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

FORD FOCUS

2006 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

73%

-2%

MINI MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

-4%

BMW 3 SERIES

2006 · 1796cc Petrol

£1,867/year

80%

+5%

RENAULT CLIO

2006 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,217/year

68%

-7%

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About the 2004 SUBARU FORESTER

The 2004 SUBARU FORESTER is a family car with a 1990cc petrol engine. 1,456 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 125,021 miles at 22 years old, SUBARU FORESTER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2004 SUBARU FORESTER Fuel Costs

The 1990cc 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 2004 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 75% 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 2004 SUBARU FORESTER

At 22 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 2004 SUBARU FORESTER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 22 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 125k 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 2004 SUBARU FORESTER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
SUBARU FORESTER(2004)	75%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2197
FORD FOCUS(2006)	73%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
MINI MINI(2005)	71%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
BMW 3 SERIES(2006)	80%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£1867-£330
RENAULT CLIO(2006)	68%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2217+£20

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.