SUBARU LEGACY (1993)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 33 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,897
£158/month
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Excellent
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1994cc Petrol
Great Choice
94% pass rate, £1897/year to run. 12 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1994cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SUBARU brand average of 83%.
At 33 years old, 94% of SUBARU LEGACYs from 1993 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 33 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 121,750 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
121,750
Average miles
244,200
Expected for age
The average 1993 SUBARU LEGACY has 121,750 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 87% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 69%. The 1993 sits between the two at 94%.
SUBARU LEGACY by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 89% | 44 | 93,450 mi | |
| 2020 | 81% | 81 | 90,552 mi | |
| 2019 | 83% | 105 | 101,880 mi | |
| 2018 | 87% | 100 | 88,848 mi | |
| 2017 | 79% | 111 | 109,813 mi | |
| 2016 | 87% | 135 | 108,084 mi | |
| 2015 | 80% | 50 | 119,462 mi | |
| 2014 | 82% | 39 | 88,141 mi | |
| 2013 | 79% | 357 | 95,003 mi | |
| 2012 | 77% | 484 | 96,544 mi | |
| 2011 | 79% | 814 | 104,678 mi | |
| 2010 | 75% | 806 | 107,868 mi | |
| 2009 | 75% | 715 | 109,288 mi | |
| 2008 | 73% | 687 | 117,973 mi | |
| 2007 | 79% | 803 | 113,943 mi | |
| 2006 | 75% | 1,166 | 117,220 mi | |
| 2005 | 74% | 1,035 | 120,853 mi | |
| 2004 | 70% | 909 | 126,843 mi | |
| 2003 | 75% | 403 | 112,036 mi | |
| 2002 | 76% | 205 | 107,114 mi | |
| 2001 | 78% | 268 | 110,058 mi | |
| 2000 | 71% | 190 | 102,120 mi | |
| 1999 | 78% | 188 | 114,342 mi | |
| 1998 | 71% | 114 | 113,061 mi | |
| 1997 | 69% | 75 | 99,120 mi | |
| 1996 | 84% | 38 | 95,520 mi | |
| 1994 | 84% | 38 | 131,142 mi | |
| 1993 | 94% | 33 | 121,750 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1993 SUBARU LEGACY
The 1993 SUBARU LEGACY is a family car with a 1994cc petrol engine. 33 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 6% of all 1993 cars for reliability.
With an average of 121,750 miles at 33 years old, SUBARU LEGACY owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1993 SUBARU LEGACY Fuel Costs
The 1994cc 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 1993 SUBARU LEGACY?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,897 (£158/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
SUBARU LEGACY Reliability Trend
Newer SUBARU LEGACYs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1993 SUBARU LEGACY
At 33 years old, the SUBARU LEGACY 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 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 87%. Note: with only 33 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1993 SUBARU LEGACY's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 33 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.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 122k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
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 1993 SUBARU LEGACY stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUBARU LEGACY(1993) | 94% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £1897 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£30 |
| PEUGEOT BOXER(1995) | 68% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217+£320 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1995) | 74% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017+£120 |
| MERCEDES E(1994) | 79% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397+£500 |
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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SUBARU FORESTER
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2018 · 1995cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
1991 · 1781cc Petrol
PEUGEOT BOXER
1995 · 1998cc Petrol
MAZDA MX-5
1995 · 1840cc Petrol
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