Subaru Forester (2009)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 837 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1994cc Diesel

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Diesel1994cc17 years old837 tests109k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1994cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Subaru brand average of 83%.

72% of MOT tests on Subaru Foresters from 2009 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 15 years old. That's based on 837 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 108,694 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2009 models401st of 555(bottom half)

Rank among Subaru models161st of 184(bottom 14%)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

vs 2009 models average-2%(74% avg)

vs Subaru average-11%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

108,694

Average miles

111,000

Expected for age

The average 2009 Subaru Forester had 108,694 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-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 2009 scores 72%. 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

Volkswagen Golf

2011 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

78%

+6%

Vauxhall Astra

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£2,227/year

74%

+2%

Volkswagen Polo

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

74%

+2%

BMW 3 Series

2011 · 2000cc Diesel

£2,077/year

81%

+9%

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About the 2009 Subaru Forester

The 2009 Subaru Forester is a family car. Our records list a 1994cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 837 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 74%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 108,694 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Subaru Forester owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2009 Subaru Forester Fuel Costs

The 1994cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2009 Subaru Forester?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 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 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 2009 Subaru Forester

At 17 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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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 109k 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.

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 2009 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(2009)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
Volkswagen Golf(2011)	78%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Vauxhall Astra(2010)	74%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Volkswagen Polo(2010)	74%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944-£283
BMW 3 Series(2011)	81%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077-£150

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 2009 Subaru Forester

Is the 2009 Subaru Forester reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 2009 Subaru Foresters ended in a pass, from 837 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2009 Subaru Forester cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 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 2009 Subaru Forester?

72% of 837 MOT tests on the 2009 Subaru Forester ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 401st of 555 models first registered in 2009 (bottom 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 2009 Subaru Forester?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2009 Subaru Forester is 108,694 miles, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.