CarCostCheck

SUBARU LEGACY (2008)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 687 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,577

£215/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

3000cc Petrol

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Petrol3000cc18 years old687 tests118k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3000cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 3000cc

£430
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,577
Per month£215/mo
Per week£50/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

73% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

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 18 years old, 73% of SUBARU LEGACYs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 687 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 117,973 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 cars373th of 589(top 63%)
Rank among SUBARU models165th 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

117,973

Average miles

vs

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2008 SUBARU LEGACY has 117,973 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 2008 sits between the two at 73%.

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

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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 2026, 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 18 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 £2,577 215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 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 18 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 2008 SUBARU LEGACY's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 18 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 118k 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 2008 SUBARU LEGACY stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
SUBARU LEGACY(2008)73%£1592£430Grp 30-42£2577
LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2007)75%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£180
VAUXHALL INSIGNIA(2010)75%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£180
MERCEDES E(2010)80%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£330
SAAB 9-3(2007)76%£1592£250Grp 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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