Subaru Legacy (1996)

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

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2212cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Subaru Legacy

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol2212cc30 years old38 tests96k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2212cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/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 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 38 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 95,520 miles.

Got a Subaru Legacy you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models57th of 243(top 24%)

Rank among Subaru models94th of 184(bottom half)

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

vs 1996 models average+9%(75% avg)

vs Subaru average+1%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

95,520

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Subaru Legacy had 95,520 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

Looking at a specific Subaru Legacy?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

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 1996 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

BMW 3 Series

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

-5%

Mazda MX-5

1997 · 1800cc Petrol

£2,561/year

76%

-8%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

-9%

Volkswagen Golf

1998 · 1984cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-13%

Check a Specific Subaru Legacy

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 1996 Subaru Legacy

The 1996 Subaru Legacy is a large car. Our records list a 2212cc 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 24% of all 1996 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 95,520 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 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 1996 Subaru Legacy?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 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 1996 Subaru Legacy

At 30 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 30 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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 96k 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 1996 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(1996)	84%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,738
BMW 3 Series(1998)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£177
Mazda MX-5(1997)	76%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£177
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£177
Volkswagen Golf(1998)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£177

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 1996 Subaru Legacy

Is the 1996 Subaru Legacy reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 1996 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 1996 Subaru Legacy cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 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 1996 Subaru Legacy?

84% of 38 MOT tests on the 1996 Subaru Legacy ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 57th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (top 24%).

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 1996 Subaru Legacy?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Subaru Legacy is 95,520 miles, 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.