CarCostCheck

SUBARU LEGACY (2008)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 687 real MOT tests in 2024.

Share:XFacebookWhatsApp

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Total Tests (2024)

687

Avg Mileage

117,973 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£2,397

Is the 2008 SUBARU LEGACY reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUBARU brand average of 83%.

At 16 years old, 73% of SUBARU LEGACYs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 687 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 117,973 miles.

How does the 2008 SUBARU LEGACY compare?

Rank among all 2008 cars373th out of 589(top 63%)
Rank among all SUBARU models165th out of 193(top 85%)
vs national average-9% (82% avg)
vs 2008 cars average+0% (73% avg)
vs SUBARU average-10% (83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2008 SUBARU LEGACY has 117,973 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-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 2008 sits between the two at 73%.

How much does a 2008 SUBARU LEGACY cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 3000cc)
£1,592
🏛️Road Tax
£250
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs

Higher than average due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,397
Per month£200/mo

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

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202189%4493,450 mi
202081%8190,552 mi
201983%105101,880 mi
201887%10088,848 mi
201779%111109,813 mi
201687%135108,084 mi
201580%50119,462 mi
201482%3988,141 mi
201379%35795,003 mi
201277%48496,544 mi
201179%814104,678 mi
201075%806107,868 mi
200975%715109,288 mi
200873%687117,973 mi
200779%803113,943 mi
200675%1,166117,220 mi
200574%1,035120,853 mi
200470%909126,843 mi
200375%403112,036 mi
200276%205107,114 mi
200178%268110,058 mi
200071%190102,120 mi
199978%188114,342 mi
199871%114113,061 mi
199769%7599,120 mi
199684%3895,520 mi
199484%38131,142 mi
199394%33121,750 mi

Checking a specific SUBARU LEGACY?

Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

About the 2008 SUBARU LEGACY

The 2008 SUBARU LEGACY is a large car with a 3000cc petrol engine. 687 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 117,973 miles at 16 years old, SUBARU LEGACY owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 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 2008 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 73% 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 2008 SUBARU LEGACY

At 16 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 2008 SUBARU LEGACY

If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines: