How much does a 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), including £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK?

The 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK has a 72% MOT pass rate based on 435 tests in 2026. This ranks 279 out of 491 cars from 2004.

Which year SUBARU OUTBACK is most reliable?

The 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%. The least reliable year is 2005 at 70%.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK?

The average mileage for a 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK is 134,291 miles, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

SUBARU OUTBACK (2004)

Q: Is the 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of SUBARU OUTBACKs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 435 tests. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 435 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,577

£215/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2457cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Petrol2457cc22 years old435 tests134k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2457cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 2457cc

£430

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,577

Per month£215/mo

Per week£50/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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUBARU brand average of 83%.

At 22 years old, 72% of SUBARU OUTBACKs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 435 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 134,291 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars279th of 491(top 57%)

Rank among SUBARU models172th of 193(top 89%)

vs national average-10%(82% avg)

vs 2004 cars average+0%(72% avg)

vs SUBARU average-11%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

134,291

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK has 134,291 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2004 sits between the two at 72%.

SUBARU OUTBACK by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	94%	784	27,630 mi
2020	91%	407	34,925 mi
2019	93%	1,030	41,337 mi
2018	90%	1,085	52,588 mi
2017	91%	746	62,472 mi
2016	90%	1,254	75,847 mi
2015	85%	1,384	87,656 mi
2014	85%	393	101,391 mi
2013	81%	415	100,053 mi
2012	75%	433	112,842 mi
2011	81%	883	114,449 mi
2010	79%	834	123,818 mi
2009	77%	501	115,908 mi
2008	72%	350	120,270 mi
2007	72%	609	123,973 mi
2006	72%	729	130,846 mi
2005	70%	497	130,499 mi
2004	72%	435	134,291 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

RENAULT CLIO

2006 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,217/year

68%

-4%

HONDA CR-V

2006 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,017/year

72%

same

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

2006 · 1984cc Petrol

£2,017/year

72%

same

MERCEDES A-CLASS

2006 · 2035cc Petrol

£2,397/year

72%

same

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About the 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK

The 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK is a large car with a 2457cc petrol engine. 435 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 134,291 miles at 22 years old, SUBARU OUTBACK owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 SUBARU OUTBACK Fuel Costs

The 2457cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

SUBARU OUTBACK Reliability Trend

Newer SUBARU OUTBACKs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK

At 22 years old, the SUBARU OUTBACK 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 22 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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

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

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 134k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
SUBARU OUTBACK(2004)	72%	£1592	£430	Grp 25-38	£2577
RENAULT CLIO(2006)	68%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2217-£360
HONDA CR-V(2006)	72%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£560
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT(2006)	72%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£560
MERCEDES A-CLASS(2006)	72%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2397-£180

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.