SUBARU LEGACY (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 403 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
403
Avg Mileage
112,036 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 2003 SUBARU LEGACY reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUBARU brand average of 83%.
At 21 years old, 75% of SUBARU LEGACYs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 403 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 112,036 miles.
How does the 2003 SUBARU LEGACY compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 SUBARU LEGACY has 112,036 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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 2003 sits between the two at 75%.
How much does a 2003 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 2003 SUBARU LEGACY
The 2003 SUBARU LEGACY is a family car with a 2000cc petrol engine. 403 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 112,036 miles at 21 years old, SUBARU LEGACY owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 SUBARU LEGACY Fuel Costs
The 2000cc 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 2003 SUBARU LEGACY?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% 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 2003 SUBARU LEGACY
At 21 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%.
Alternatives to the 2003 SUBARU LEGACY
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (-4%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (-4%) from 41,794 tests
- TOYOTA COROLLA (2005) 76% pass rate (+1%) from 19,418 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2005) 67% pass rate (-8%) from 18,423 tests