How much does a 2012 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 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK?

The 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK has a 75% MOT pass rate based on 433 tests in 2026. This ranks 557 out of 685 cars from 2012.

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 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK?

The average mileage for a 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK is 112,842 miles, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

SUBARU OUTBACK (2012)

Q: Is the 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of SUBARU OUTBACKs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 433 tests. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 433 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,577

£215/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2500cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 7 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.

Petrol2500cc14 years old433 tests113k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2500cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 2500cc

£430

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUBARU brand average of 83%.

At 14 years old, 75% of SUBARU OUTBACKs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 433 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 112,842 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 2012 cars557th of 685(top 81%)

Rank among SUBARU models156th of 193(top 81%)

vs national average-7%(82% avg)

vs 2012 cars average-3%(78% avg)

vs SUBARU average-8%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

112,842

Average miles

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK has 112,842 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-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 2012 sits between the two at 75%.

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

BMW 3 SERIES

2014 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,247/year

87%

+12%

VAUXHALL INSIGNIA

2011 · 2792cc Petrol

£2,397/year

77%

+2%

BMW 1 SERIES

2013 · 2979cc Petrol

£2,247/year

84%

+9%

LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

2013 · 2000cc Petrol

£1,867/year

86%

+11%

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 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK

The 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK is a large car with a 2500cc petrol engine. 433 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 81% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 112,842 miles at 14 years old, SUBARU OUTBACK owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 SUBARU OUTBACK Fuel Costs

The 2500cc 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 2012 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 75% 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 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK

At 14 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 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 14 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 113k 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 2012 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(2012)	75%	£1592	£430	Grp 25-38	£2577
BMW 3 SERIES(2014)	87%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2247-£330
VAUXHALL INSIGNIA(2011)	77%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2397-£180
BMW 1 SERIES(2013)	84%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2247-£330
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER EVOQUE(2013)	86%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£1867-£710

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.