How much does a 2003 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 2003 SUBARU LEGACY?

The 2003 SUBARU LEGACY has a 75% MOT pass rate based on 403 tests in 2026. This ranks 178 out of 445 cars from 2003.

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 (2003)

Q: Is the 2003 SUBARU LEGACY reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of SUBARU LEGACYs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 403 tests. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2003 SUBARU LEGACY?

The average mileage for a 2003 SUBARU LEGACY is 112,036 miles, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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 403 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

2000cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol2000cc23 years old403 tests112k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2000cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 2000cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

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 23 years old, 75% of SUBARU LEGACYs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 403 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 112,036 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 cars178th of 445(top 40%)

Rank among SUBARU models157th of 193(top 81%)

vs national average-7%(82% avg)

vs 2003 cars average+3%(72% avg)

vs SUBARU average-8%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

112,036

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2003 SUBARU LEGACY has 112,036 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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 2003 sits between the two at 75%.

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

MINI MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

-4%

FORD FOCUS

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

-4%

TOYOTA COROLLA

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

76%

+1%

RENAULT CLIO

2005 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,217/year

67%

-8%

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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 2026, 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 23 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 £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 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 23 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 2003 SUBARU LEGACY's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 23 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

Watch out

With an average of 112k 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 2003 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(2003)	75%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2197
MINI MINI(2005)	71%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
FORD FOCUS(2005)	71%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
TOYOTA COROLLA(2005)	76%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
RENAULT CLIO(2005)	67%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2217+£20

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.