Subaru Forester X Auto (2012)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 34 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,361
£197/month
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Good
Road Tax
£325
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1995cc Petrol
Solid Option
85% pass rate, £2,361/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
85% of MOT tests on Subaru Forester X Autos from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 34 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 74,223 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
74,223
Average miles
88,800
Expected for age
The average 2012 Subaru Forester X Auto had 74,223 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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About the 2012 Subaru Forester X Auto
The 2012 Subaru Forester X Auto is a family car. Our records list a 1995cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 34 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 74,223 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Subaru Forester X Auto owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2012 Subaru Forester X Auto 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 £1,631 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 2012 Subaru Forester X Auto?
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 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2012 Subaru Forester X Auto
At 14 years old, the Subaru Forester X Auto 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. Note: with only 34 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
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 outAt 14 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 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 2012 Subaru Forester X Auto 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 X Auto(2012) | 85% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,361 |
| Ford Focus(2013) | 78% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228-£133 |
| Nissan Qashqai(2013) | 72% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228-£133 |
| Mercedes C(2012) | 79% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,511+£150 |
| MINI(2010) | 80% | £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 2012 Subaru Forester X Auto
Is the 2012 Subaru Forester X Auto reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 2012 Subaru Forester X Autos ended in a pass, from 34 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2012 Subaru Forester X Auto 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 2012 Subaru Forester X Auto?
85% of 34 MOT tests on the 2012 Subaru Forester X Auto ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 259th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top half).
What is the average mileage for a 2012 Subaru Forester X Auto?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Subaru Forester X Auto is 74,223 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Subaru Models
Explore other Subaru cars or similar models in the same category.
Subaru Impreza
2005 · 1994cc Petrol
Subaru Forester
2014 · 1998cc Petrol
Subaru XV
2018 · 1995cc Petrol
Ford Focus
2013 · 1596cc Petrol
Nissan Qashqai
2013 · 1600cc Petrol
Mercedes C
2012 · 1796cc Petrol
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