Subaru Legacy (2021)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 44 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,236

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

2000cc Petrol

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £2,236/year to run. 7 points above average.

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Petrol2000cc5 years old44 tests93k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2000cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Standard rate (from April 2017)

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,236

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).

Reliability Verdict

89% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Subaru brand average of 83%.

89% of MOT tests on Subaru Legacys from 2021 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 3 years old. That's based on 44 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 93,450 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2021 models2753rd of 3,336(bottom 18%)

Rank among Subaru models62nd of 184(top half)

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

vs 2021 models average-3%(92% avg)

vs Subaru average+6%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

93,450

Average miles

22,200

Expected for age

The average 2021 Subaru Legacy had 93,450 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.

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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 2021 scores 89%. 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

Nissan Qashqai

2020 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,853/year

93%

+4%

Hyundai Tucson

2019 · 1591cc Petrol

£1,853/year

90%

+1%

Mercedes A

2021 · 1991cc Petrol

£2,086/year

94%

+5%

Volvo XC40

2020 · 2000cc Petrol

£2,086/year

93%

+4%

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About the 2021 Subaru Legacy

The 2021 Subaru Legacy is a family car. Our records list a 2000cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 44 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 18% of 2021 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 93,450 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Subaru Legacy owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.

2021 Subaru Legacy Fuel Costs

The 2000cc 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 2021 Subaru Legacy?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,236 (£186/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% 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 2021 Subaru Legacy

At 5 years old, the Subaru Legacy offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 87%. Note: with only 44 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

Oil Consumption

Low risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 93k 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 2021 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(2021)	89%	£1,631	£200	Grp 18-32	£2,236
Nissan Qashqai(2020)	93%	£1,398	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,853-£383
Hyundai Tucson(2019)	90%	£1,398	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,853-£383
Mercedes A(2021)	94%	£1,631	£200	Grp 18-32	£2,086-£150
Volvo XC40(2020)	93%	£1,631	£200	Grp 18-32	£2,086-£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 2021 Subaru Legacy

Is the 2021 Subaru Legacy reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2021 Subaru Legacys ended in a pass, from 44 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2021 Subaru Legacy cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,236 a year (£186 a month): £1,631 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Subaru Legacy?

89% of 44 MOT tests on the 2021 Subaru Legacy ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 2753rd of 3,336 models first registered in 2021 (bottom 18%).

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 2021 Subaru Legacy?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2021 Subaru Legacy is 93,450 miles, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.