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SUBARU LEGACY (2009)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 715 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,857

£155/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Diesel

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £1857/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

£1,037
Road Tax

Based on 1998cc

£265
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£1,857
Per month£155/mo
Per week£36/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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUBARU brand average of 83%.

At 17 years old, 75% of SUBARU LEGACYs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 715 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 109,288 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2009 cars327th of 575(top 57%)
Rank among SUBARU models154th of 193(top 80%)
vs national average-7%(82% avg)
vs 2009 cars average+0%(75% avg)
vs SUBARU average-8%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

109,288

Average miles

vs

125,800

Expected for age

The average 2009 SUBARU LEGACY has 109,288 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-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 2009 sits between the two at 75%.

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 2009 SUBARU LEGACY

The 2009 SUBARU LEGACY is a family car with a 1998cc diesel engine. 715 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 109,288 miles at 17 years old, 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 £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 £1,857 155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.

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

Based on the 2009 SUBARU LEGACY's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
SUBARU LEGACY(2009)75%£1037£265Grp 18-32£1857
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2011)78%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£130
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010)74%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£130
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010)74%£905£135Grp 12-25£1595-£262
BMW 3 SERIES(2011)81%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1577-£280

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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