Subaru Legacy (1994)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 38 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,411

£201/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1994cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2,411/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1994cc32 years old38 tests131k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1994cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,411

Per month£201/mo

Per week£46/wk

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

84% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

84% of MOT tests on Subaru Legacys from 1994 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 30 years old. That's based on 38 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 131,142 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1994 models49th of 204(top 25%)

Rank among Subaru models93rd of 184(bottom half)

vs average of all models+2%(82% avg)

vs 1994 models average+8%(76% avg)

vs Subaru average+1%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

131,142

Average miles

222,000

Expected for age

The average 1994 Subaru Legacy had 131,142 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1994 scores 84%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Mazda MX-5

1996 · 1840cc Petrol

£2,561/year

76%

-8%

BMW 3 Series

1996 · 1896cc Petrol

£2,411/year

82%

-2%

Volkswagen Golf

1996 · 1984cc Petrol

£2,561/year

74%

-10%

Mercedes E

1994 · 2199cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

-5%

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About the 1994 Subaru Legacy

The 1994 Subaru Legacy is a family car. Our records list a 1994cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 38 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 25% of all 1994 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 131,142 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Subaru Legacy owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1994 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 £1,631 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 1994 Subaru Legacy?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,411 (£201/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Subaru Legacy Reliability Trend

Newer Subaru Legacys pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1994 Subaru Legacy

At 32 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 38 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 out

At 32 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 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 131k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn 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 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 1994 Subaru Legacy 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 Legacy(1994)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411
Mazda MX-5(1996)	76%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£150
BMW 3 Series(1996)	82%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411same
Volkswagen Golf(1996)	74%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£150
Mercedes E(1994)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£477

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 1994 Subaru Legacy

Is the 1994 Subaru Legacy reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 1994 Subaru Legacys ended in a pass, from 38 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1994 Subaru Legacy cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,411 a year (£201 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 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 1994 Subaru Legacy?

84% of 38 MOT tests on the 1994 Subaru Legacy ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 49th of 204 models first registered in 1994 (top 25%).

Which year Subaru Legacy has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 Subaru Legacy has the highest MOT pass rate at 87% and the 2004 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1994 Subaru Legacy?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1994 Subaru Legacy is 131,142 miles, which is below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.