SUBARU LEGACY (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 75 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
75
Avg Mileage
99,120 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,597
Is the 1997 SUBARU LEGACY reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUBARU brand average of 83%.
At 27 years old, 69% of SUBARU LEGACYs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 75 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 99,120 miles.
How does the 1997 SUBARU LEGACY compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 SUBARU LEGACY has 99,120 miles on the clock, 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.
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%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1997 SUBARU LEGACY cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
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 1997 SUBARU LEGACY
The 1997 SUBARU LEGACY is a large car with a 2457cc petrol engine. 75 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 80% of 1997 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 99,120 miles at 27 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.
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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1997 SUBARU LEGACY?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,597 (£216/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 SUBARU LEGACY
At 27 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. Note: with only 75 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 SUBARU LEGACY
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-2%) from 8,643 tests
- BMW Z3 (1998) 77% pass rate (+8%) from 8,057 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+9%) from 7,815 tests
- MERCEDES SLK (1999) 79% pass rate (+10%) from 4,295 tests