Subaru Legacy (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 484 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,511

£209/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2,511/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Petrol1998cc14 years old484 tests97k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,511

Per month£209/mo

Per week£48/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

77% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

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

77% of MOT tests on Subaru Legacys from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 484 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 96,544 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models465th of 650(bottom half)

Rank among Subaru models134th of 184(bottom half)

vs average of all models-5%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average-1%(78% avg)

vs Subaru average-6%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

96,544

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Subaru Legacy had 96,544 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-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 2012 scores 77%. 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

Ford Focus

2013 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

78%

+1%

Nissan Qashqai

2013 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,228/year

72%

-5%

Mercedes C

2012 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,511/year

79%

+2%

MINI

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,078/year

80%

+3%

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About the 2012 Subaru Legacy

The 2012 Subaru Legacy is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 484 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 96,544 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Subaru Legacy owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 Subaru Legacy Fuel Costs

The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 2012 Subaru Legacy?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,511 (£209/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% 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 2012 Subaru Legacy

At 14 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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 14 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.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 97k 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 2012 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(2012)	77%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511
Ford Focus(2013)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
Nissan Qashqai(2013)	72%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
Mercedes C(2012)	79%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511same
MINI(2010)	80%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078-£433

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 2012 Subaru Legacy

Is the 2012 Subaru Legacy reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 2012 Subaru Legacys ended in a pass, from 484 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Subaru Legacy cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,511 a year (£209 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 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 2012 Subaru Legacy?

77% of 484 MOT tests on the 2012 Subaru Legacy ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 465th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (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 2012 Subaru Legacy?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Subaru Legacy is 96,544 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.