SUBARU LEGACY (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 38 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
84%
Total Tests (2024)
38
Avg Mileage
95,520 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,247
Is the 1996 SUBARU LEGACY reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 28 years old, 84% of SUBARU LEGACYs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 38 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 95,520 miles.
How does the 1996 SUBARU LEGACY compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 SUBARU LEGACY has 95,520 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a SUBARU LEGACY?
The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 87% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 69%. The 1996 sits between the two at 84%.
How much does a 1996 SUBARU LEGACY cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific SUBARU LEGACY?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 SUBARU LEGACY
The 1996 SUBARU LEGACY is a large car with a 2212cc petrol engine. 38 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 23% of all 1996 cars for reliability.
With an average of 95,520 miles at 28 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.
1996 SUBARU LEGACY Fuel Costs
The 2212cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1996 SUBARU LEGACY?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,247 (£187/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1996 SUBARU LEGACY
At 28 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.
Alternatives to the 1996 SUBARU LEGACY
The SUBARU LEGACY is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol large cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-17%) from 8,643 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (-5%) from 6,287 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1997) 76% pass rate (-8%) from 5,880 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (-9%) from 5,268 tests