SUBARU FORESTER (2020)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 117 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,927
£161/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1995cc Petrol
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £1927/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SUBARU brand average of 83%.
At 6 years old, 89% of SUBARU FORESTERs from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 117 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 56,363 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
56,363
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2020 SUBARU FORESTER has 56,363 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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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 2020 sits between the two at 89%.
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
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About the 2020 SUBARU FORESTER
The 2020 SUBARU FORESTER is a family car with a 1995cc petrol engine. 117 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 79% of 2020 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 56,363 miles at 6 years old, SUBARU FORESTER owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2020 SUBARU FORESTER Fuel Costs
The 1995cc 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 2020 SUBARU FORESTER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,927 (£161/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% 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 2020 SUBARU FORESTER
At 6 years old, the SUBARU FORESTER offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2020 SUBARU FORESTER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 6 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.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2020 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(2020) | 89% | £1327 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1927 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£345 |
| FORD KUGA(2018) | 90% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£345 |
| MINI COOPER(2018) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£345 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2020) | 93% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£345 |
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.
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