Subaru Forester X Boxer Diesel (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 36 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

1998cc Diesel

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Diesel1998cc14 years old36 tests114k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1998cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Subaru brand average of 83%.

75% of MOT tests on Subaru Forester X Boxer Diesels from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 36 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 114,095 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models532nd of 650(bottom 19%)

Rank among Subaru models151st of 184(bottom 19%)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average-3%(78% avg)

vs Subaru average-8%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

114,095

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Subaru Forester X Boxer Diesel had 114,095 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-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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Subaru Forester X Boxer Diesel by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2013	83%	53	98,511 mi
2012	75%	36	114,095 mi
2011	89%	37	121,697 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Transit

2014 · 2198cc Diesel

£2,641/year

77%

+2%

Check a Specific Subaru Forester X Boxer Diesel

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About the 2012 Subaru Forester X Boxer Diesel

The 2012 Subaru Forester X Boxer Diesel is a van. Our records list a 1998cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 36 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 19% of 2012 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 114,095 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Subaru Forester X Boxer Diesel owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2012 Subaru Forester X Boxer Diesel Fuel Costs

The 1998cc 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 2012 Subaru Forester X Boxer Diesel?

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 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 2012 Subaru Forester X Boxer Diesel

At 14 years old, the Subaru Forester X Boxer Diesel 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 36 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.

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 114k 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 2012 Subaru Forester X Boxer Diesel 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 Boxer Diesel(2012)	75%	£1,397	£275	n/a	£2,227
Ford Transit(2014)	77%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£2,641+£414

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 Boxer Diesel

Is the 2012 Subaru Forester X Boxer Diesel reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 2012 Subaru Forester X Boxer Diesels ended in a pass, from 36 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Subaru Forester X Boxer Diesel 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 2012 Subaru Forester X Boxer Diesel?

75% of 36 MOT tests on the 2012 Subaru Forester X Boxer Diesel ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 532nd of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom 19%).

What is the average mileage for a 2012 Subaru Forester X Boxer Diesel?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Subaru Forester X Boxer Diesel is 114,095 miles, which is above the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.