Subaru Legacy (2009)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 715 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Diesel

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Diesel1998cc17 years old715 tests109k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1998cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Subaru brand average of 83%.

75% of MOT tests on Subaru Legacys from 2009 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 15 years old. That's based on 715 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 109,288 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2009 models314th of 555(bottom half)

Rank among Subaru models146th of 184(bottom 22%)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 2009 models average+1%(74% avg)

vs Subaru average-8%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

109,288

Average miles

111,000

Expected for age

The average 2009 Subaru Legacy had 109,288 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-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%. The 2009 scores 75%. 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

Volkswagen Golf

2011 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

78%

+3%

Vauxhall Astra

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£2,227/year

74%

-1%

Volkswagen Polo

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

74%

-1%

BMW 3 Series

2011 · 2000cc Diesel

£2,077/year

81%

+6%

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About the 2009 Subaru Legacy

The 2009 Subaru Legacy is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 715 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 74%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 109,288 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Subaru Legacy owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2009 Subaru Legacy Fuel Costs

The 1998cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2009 Subaru Legacy?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% 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 2009 Subaru Legacy

At 17 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

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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 109k 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 2009 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(2009)	75%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
Volkswagen Golf(2011)	78%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Vauxhall Astra(2010)	74%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Volkswagen Polo(2010)	74%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944-£283
BMW 3 Series(2011)	81%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077-£150

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 2009 Subaru Legacy

Is the 2009 Subaru Legacy reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 2009 Subaru Legacys ended in a pass, from 715 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2009 Subaru Legacy cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 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 2009 Subaru Legacy?

75% of 715 MOT tests on the 2009 Subaru Legacy ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 314th of 555 models first registered in 2009 (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 2009 Subaru Legacy?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2009 Subaru Legacy is 109,288 miles, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.