SUBARU LEGACY (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 909 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Total Tests (2024)
909
Avg Mileage
126,843 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 2004 SUBARU LEGACY reliable?
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 20 years old, 70% of SUBARU LEGACYs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 909 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 126,843 miles.
How does the 2004 SUBARU LEGACY compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 SUBARU LEGACY has 126,843 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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 2004 sits between the two at 70%.
How much does a 2004 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 2004 SUBARU LEGACY
The 2004 SUBARU LEGACY is a large car with a 3000cc petrol engine. 909 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, 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 20 years old, SUBARU LEGACY owners drive about as much as the UK average.
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 £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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 20 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 2004 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:
- LAND ROVER FREELANDER (2006) 70% pass rate (same) from 12,591 tests
- MERCEDES E (2004) 78% pass rate (+8%) from 8,333 tests
- PORSCHE BOXSTER (2005) 86% pass rate (+16%) from 6,992 tests
- BMW X3 (2006) 78% pass rate (+8%) from 6,611 tests