How much does a 2008 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 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK?

The 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK has a 72% MOT pass rate based on 350 tests in 2026. This ranks 406 out of 589 cars from 2008.

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 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK?

The average mileage for a 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK is 120,270 miles, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

SUBARU OUTBACK (2008)

Q: Is the 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of SUBARU OUTBACKs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 350 tests. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 350 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,577

£215/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

3000cc Petrol

Check Carefully

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

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific SUBARU OUTBACK

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol3000cc18 years old350 tests120k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3000cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 3000cc

£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.

🛡️

Get an insurance quote for this SUBARU OUTBACK

Compare quotes and find the best deal

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 18 years old, 72% of SUBARU OUTBACKs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 350 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 120,270 miles.

Got a SUBARU OUTBACK you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 cars406th of 589(top 69%)

Rank among SUBARU models174th of 193(top 90%)

vs national average-10%(82% avg)

vs 2008 cars average-1%(73% avg)

vs SUBARU average-11%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

120,270

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK has 120,270 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

Looking at a specific SUBARU OUTBACK?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

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 2008 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

LAND ROVER FREELANDER

2007 · 3192cc Petrol

£2,397/year

75%

+3%

VAUXHALL INSIGNIA

2010 · 2792cc Petrol

£2,397/year

75%

+3%

MERCEDES E

2010 · 3495cc Petrol

£2,247/year

80%

+8%

SAAB 9-3

2007 · 2792cc Petrol

£2,397/year

76%

+4%

Check a Specific Subaru Outback

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK

The 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK is a large car with a 3000cc petrol engine. 350 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 120,270 miles at 18 years old, SUBARU OUTBACK owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 SUBARU OUTBACK Fuel Costs

The 3000cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 2008 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 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK

At 18 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 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 18 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 120k 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 2008 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(2008)	72%	£1592	£430	Grp 30-42	£2577
LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2007)	75%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£180
VAUXHALL INSIGNIA(2010)	75%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2397-£180
MERCEDES E(2010)	80%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£330
SAAB 9-3(2007)	76%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£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.