CarCostCheck

SUBARU FORESTER (2016)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,034 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,047

£171/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2047/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol1998cc10 years old2,034 tests69k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327
Road Tax

Based on 1998cc

£315
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,047
Per month£171/mo
Per week£39/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

84% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 10 years old, 84% of SUBARU FORESTERs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,034 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 68,939 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 cars423th of 586(top 72%)
Rank among SUBARU models92th of 193(top 48%)
vs national average+2%(82% avg)
vs 2016 cars average-1%(85% avg)
vs SUBARU average+1%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

68,939

Average miles

vs

74,000

Expected for age

The average 2016 SUBARU FORESTER has 68,939 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 2016 sits between the two at 84%.

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 2016 SUBARU FORESTER

The 2016 SUBARU FORESTER is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 2,034 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 68,939 miles at 10 years old, SUBARU FORESTER owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2016 SUBARU FORESTER Fuel Costs

The 1998cc 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 2016 SUBARU FORESTER?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,047 171/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% 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 2016 SUBARU FORESTER

At 10 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 2016 SUBARU FORESTER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 10 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.

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 2016 SUBARU FORESTER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
SUBARU FORESTER(2016)84%£1327£315Grp 18-32£2047
FORD FOCUS(2014)80%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1677-£370
NISSAN QASHQAI(2014)78%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1827-£220
FORD KUGA(2018)90%£1137£190Grp 12-25£1582-£465
BMW 3 SERIES(2015)88%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1677-£370

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.

Related Subaru Models

Explore other Subaru cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Subaru Forester.

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