SUBARU LEGACY (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 909 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,577
£215/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
3000cc Petrol
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3000cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUBARU brand average of 83%.
At 22 years old, 70% of SUBARU LEGACYs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 909 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 126,843 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
126,843
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 SUBARU LEGACY has 126,843 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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 2004 sits between the two at 70%.
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
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About the 2004 SUBARU LEGACY
The 2004 SUBARU LEGACY is a large car with a 3000cc petrol engine. 909 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 126,843 miles at 22 years old, SUBARU LEGACY owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 SUBARU LEGACY Fuel Costs
The 3000cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 2004 SUBARU LEGACY?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% 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 2004 SUBARU LEGACY
At 22 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 2004 SUBARU LEGACY's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 22 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 127k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2004 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(2004) | 70% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 30-42 | £2577 |
| LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2006) | 70% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£180 |
| MERCEDES E(2004) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£180 |
| PORSCHE BOXSTER(2005) | 86% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£330 |
| BMW X3(2006) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£180 |
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.
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