SUBARU LEGACY (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 44 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,927
£161/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
2000cc Petrol
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £1927/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SUBARU brand average of 83%.
At 5 years old, 89% of SUBARU LEGACYs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 44 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 93,450 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
93,450
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 SUBARU LEGACY has 93,450 miles on the clock, which is well above the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-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?
The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 87% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2021 sits between the two at 89%.
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
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About the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY
The 2021 SUBARU LEGACY is a family car with a 2000cc petrol engine. 44 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 83% of 2021 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 93,450 miles at 5 years old, 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 £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 SUBARU LEGACY?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,927 (£161/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £195 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
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
Based on the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Oil Consumption
Low riskLarger 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 riskWith 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUBARU LEGACY(2021) | 89% | £1327 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1927 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2020) | 93% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£345 |
| HYUNDAI TUCSON(2019) | 90% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£345 |
| MERCEDES A(2021) | 94% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£155 |
| VOLVO XC40(2020) | 93% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£155 |
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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