Subaru Legacy (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 75 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,088

£257/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2457cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £3,088/year to run. 13 points below average.

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Petrol2457cc29 years old75 tests99k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2457cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£3,088

Per month£257/mo

Per week£59/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

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Subaru brand average of 83%.

69% of MOT tests on Subaru Legacys from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 75 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 99,120 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models248th of 306(bottom 20%)

Rank among Subaru models177th of 184(bottom 5%)

vs average of all models-13%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average-6%(75% avg)

vs Subaru average-14%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

99,120

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Subaru Legacy had 99,120 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-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?

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 1997 scores 69%. 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 Z3

1998 · 2800cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

+8%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+9%

Mercedes SLK

1999 · 2298cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

+10%

Ford Focus

1999 · 1989cc Petrol

£2,761/year

65%

-4%

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About the 1997 Subaru Legacy

The 1997 Subaru Legacy is a large car. Our records list a 2457cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 75 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 20% of 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 99,120 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.

1997 Subaru Legacy Fuel Costs

The 2457cc 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 1997 Subaru Legacy?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,088 (£257/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

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 1997 Subaru Legacy

At 29 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 75 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 29 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 99k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 1997 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(1997)	69%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£3,088
BMW Z3(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888-£200
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888-£200
Mercedes SLK(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888-£200
Ford Focus(1999)	65%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,761-£327

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 1997 Subaru Legacy

Is the 1997 Subaru Legacy reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 1997 Subaru Legacys ended in a pass, from 75 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Subaru Legacy cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,088 a year (£257 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Subaru Legacy?

69% of 75 MOT tests on the 1997 Subaru Legacy ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 248th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom 20%).

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 1997 Subaru Legacy?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Subaru Legacy is 99,120 miles, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.