Subaru Forester (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,034 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,361

£197/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2,361/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1998cc10 years old2,034 tests69k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,361

Per month£197/mo

Per week£45/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

84% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

84% of MOT tests on Subaru Foresters from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 2,034 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 68,939 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models382nd of 539(bottom half)

Rank among Subaru models87th of 184(top half)

vs average of all models+2%(82% avg)

vs 2016 models average-1%(85% avg)

vs Subaru average+1%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

68,939

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 Subaru Forester had 68,939 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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 2016 scores 84%. 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

2014 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,078/year

80%

-4%

Nissan Qashqai

2014 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,228/year

78%

-6%

Ford Kuga

2018 · 1499cc Petrol

£1,853/year

90%

+6%

BMW 3 Series

2015 · 1499cc Petrol

£2,078/year

88%

+4%

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About the 2016 Subaru Forester

The 2016 Subaru Forester is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,034 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 68,939 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,631 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 2016 Subaru Forester?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,361 (£197/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 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 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 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

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 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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Subaru Forester(2016)	84%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361
Ford Focus(2014)	80%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078-£283
Nissan Qashqai(2014)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Ford Kuga(2018)	90%	£1,398	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,853-£508
BMW 3 Series(2015)	88%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078-£283

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 2016 Subaru Forester

Is the 2016 Subaru Forester reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 2016 Subaru Foresters ended in a pass, from 2,034 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2016 Subaru Forester cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,361 a year (£197 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Subaru Forester?

84% of 2,034 MOT tests on the 2016 Subaru Forester ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 382nd of 539 models first registered in 2016 (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 2016 Subaru Forester?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Subaru Forester is 68,939 miles, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.