Subaru Outback (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 435 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,958

£247/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2457cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,958/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

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,958

Per month£247/mo

Per week£57/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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Subaru brand average of 83%.

72% of MOT tests on Subaru Outbacks from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 435 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 134,291 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models263rd of 470(bottom half)

Rank among Subaru models164th of 184(bottom 12%)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

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

vs Subaru average-11%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

134,291

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Subaru Outback had 134,291 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2004 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

£2,711/year

68%

-4%

Honda CR-V

2006 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,511/year

72%

same

Volkswagen Passat

2006 · 1984cc Petrol

£2,511/year

72%

same

Mercedes A-Class

2006 · 2035cc Petrol

£2,958/year

72%

same

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About the 2004 Subaru Outback

The 2004 Subaru Outback is a large car. Our records list a 2457cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 435 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 134,291 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 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 2004 Subaru Outback?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,958 (£247/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

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

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 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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Subaru Outback(2004)	72%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958
Renault Clio(2006)	68%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711-£247
Honda CR-V(2006)	72%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511-£447
Volkswagen Passat(2006)	72%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511-£447
Mercedes A-Class(2006)	72%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958same

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 2004 Subaru Outback

Is the 2004 Subaru Outback reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 2004 Subaru Outbacks ended in a pass, from 435 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Subaru Outback cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,958 a year (£247 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 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 2004 Subaru Outback?

72% of 435 MOT tests on the 2004 Subaru Outback ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 263rd of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom half).

Which year Subaru Outback has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Subaru Outback has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2005 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 2004 Subaru Outback?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Subaru Outback is 134,291 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.