How much does a 1998 SUBARU LEGACY cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 SUBARU LEGACY?

The 1998 SUBARU LEGACY has a 71% MOT pass rate based on 114 tests in 2026. This ranks 254 out of 340 cars from 1998.

Which year SUBARU LEGACY is most reliable?

The 2016 SUBARU LEGACY has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%. The least reliable year is 1997 at 69%.

SUBARU LEGACY (1998)

Q: Is the 1998 SUBARU LEGACY reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of SUBARU LEGACYs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 114 tests. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1998 SUBARU LEGACY?

The average mileage for a 1998 SUBARU LEGACY is 113,061 miles, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 114 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1994cc Petrol

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Petrol1994cc28 years old114 tests113k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1994cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1994cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,197

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUBARU brand average of 83%.

At 28 years old, 71% of SUBARU LEGACYs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 114 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 113,061 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 cars254th of 340(top 75%)

Rank among SUBARU models179th of 193(top 93%)

vs national average-11%(82% avg)

vs 1998 cars average-4%(75% avg)

vs SUBARU average-12%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

113,061

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1998 SUBARU LEGACY has 113,061 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-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?

The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 87% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 69%. The 1998 sits between the two at 71%.

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

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VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

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About the 1998 SUBARU LEGACY

The 1998 SUBARU LEGACY is a family car with a 1994cc petrol engine. 114 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 113,061 miles at 28 years old, SUBARU LEGACY owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 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 £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1998 SUBARU LEGACY?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% 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 1998 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1998 SUBARU LEGACY's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 28 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 113k 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 1998 SUBARU LEGACY stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
SUBARU LEGACY(1998)	71%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2197
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1996)	67%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2597+£400
MAZDA MX-5(1999)	73%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999)	71%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£180
BMW 3 SERIES(1999)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2397+£200

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.