Subaru Forester (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,750 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,511

£209/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1990cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2,511/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Petrol1990cc21 years old1,750 tests123k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1990cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,511

Per month£209/mo

Per week£48/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

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Subaru brand average of 83%.

74% of MOT tests on Subaru Foresters from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 1,750 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 122,626 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models245th of 504(top half)

Rank among Subaru models152nd of 184(bottom 18%)

vs average of all models-8%(82% avg)

vs 2005 models average+2%(72% avg)

vs Subaru average-9%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

122,626

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 Subaru Forester had 122,626 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 2005 scores 74%. 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

Ford Focus

2007 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

-1%

BMW 3 Series

2007 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

+6%

MINI

2007 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

-1%

Renault Clio

2007 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,711/year

68%

-6%

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About the 2005 Subaru Forester

The 2005 Subaru Forester is a family car. Our records list a 1990cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,750 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 122,626 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Subaru Forester owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2005 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 £1,631 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 2005 Subaru Forester?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,511 (£209/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

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 2005 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.

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 21 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 2005 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(2005)	74%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511
Ford Focus(2007)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
BMW 3 Series(2007)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361-£150
MINI(2007)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
Renault Clio(2007)	68%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711+£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 2005 Subaru Forester

Is the 2005 Subaru Forester reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MOT tests on 2005 Subaru Foresters ended in a pass, from 1,750 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2005 Subaru Forester cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,511 a year (£209 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 Subaru Forester?

74% of 1,750 MOT tests on the 2005 Subaru Forester ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 245th of 504 models first registered in 2005 (top half).

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 2005 Subaru Forester?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Subaru Forester is 122,626 miles, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.