SUBARU FORESTR (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 62 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,857
£155/month
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Diesel
Check Carefully
73% pass rate, £1857/year to run. 9 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1998cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUBARU brand average of 83%.
At 10 years old, 73% of SUBARU FORESTRs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 62 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 70,420 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
70,420
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 SUBARU FORESTR has 70,420 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 2015 model with a 80% MOT pass rate, while the 2016 model has the lowest at 73%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 SUBARU FORESTR
The 2016 SUBARU FORESTR is a family car with a 1998cc diesel engine. 62 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 98% of 2016 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 70,420 miles at 10 years old, SUBARU FORESTR owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 SUBARU FORESTR 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 £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 2016 SUBARU FORESTR?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2016 SUBARU FORESTR
At 10 years old, the SUBARU FORESTR 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 62 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 SUBARU FORESTR's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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 2016 SUBARU FORESTR stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUBARU FORESTR(2016) | 73% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £1857 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2017) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£507 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2014) | 79% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1595-£262 |
| FORD FOCUS(2018) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£357 |
| AUDI A3(2015) | 88% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£412 |
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.
SUBARU IMPREZA
2005 · 1994cc Petrol
SUBARU FORESTER
2014 · 1998cc Petrol
SUBARU XV
2018 · 1995cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2017 · 1598cc Diesel
VAUXHALL ASTRA
2014 · 1598cc Diesel
FORD FOCUS
2018 · 1499cc Diesel
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