Subaru Legacy (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 909 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,958

£247/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

3000cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2,958/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Petrol3000cc22 years old909 tests127k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3000cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,958

Per month£247/mo

Per week£57/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Subaru brand average of 83%.

70% of MOT tests on Subaru Legacys from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 909 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 126,843 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models311th of 470(bottom half)

Rank among Subaru models174th of 184(bottom 6%)

vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average-2%(72% avg)

vs Subaru average-13%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

126,843

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Subaru Legacy had 126,843 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 70%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Land Rover Freelander

2006 · 3192cc Petrol

£3,303/year

70%

same

Mercedes E

2004 · 3199cc Petrol

£3,303/year

78%

+8%

Porsche Boxster

2005 · 3197cc Petrol

£3,153/year

86%

+16%

BMW X3

2006 · 2996cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

+8%

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About the 2004 Subaru Legacy

The 2004 Subaru Legacy is a large car. Our records list a 3000cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 909 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 126,843 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2004 Subaru Legacy?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,958 (£247/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

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.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 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 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 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 risk

High-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 risk

Worn 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 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 2004 Subaru Legacy stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Subaru Legacy(2004)	70%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958
Land Rover Freelander(2006)	70%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£345
Mercedes E(2004)	78%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£345
Porsche Boxster(2005)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153+£195
BMW X3(2006)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2004 Subaru Legacy

Is the 2004 Subaru Legacy reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2004 Subaru Legacys ended in a pass, from 909 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Subaru Legacy cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,958 a year (£247 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Subaru Legacy?

70% of 909 MOT tests on the 2004 Subaru Legacy ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 311th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom half).

Which year Subaru Legacy has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 Subaru Legacy has the highest MOT pass rate at 87% and the 2004 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 Subaru Legacy?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Subaru Legacy is 126,843 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.