Subaru Outback (2015)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,384 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,808
£234/month
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Good
Road Tax
£445
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 25-38
2500cc Petrol
Solid Option
85% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
85% of MOT tests on Subaru Outbacks from 2015 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 9 years old. That's based on 1,384 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 87,656 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
87,656
Average miles
66,600
Expected for age
The average 2015 Subaru Outback had 87,656 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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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 2015 scores 85%. 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
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About the 2015 Subaru Outback
The 2015 Subaru Outback is a large car. Our records list a 2500cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,384 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2015, the average MOT pass rate is 83%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 87,656 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Subaru Outback owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2015 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 £1,958 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 2015 Subaru Outback?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,808 (£234/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% 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 2015 Subaru Outback
At 11 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 outAt 11 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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
Medium riskWith an average of 88k 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 2015 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(2015) | 85% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 25-38 | £2,808 |
| BMW 3 Series(2014) | 87% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,808same |
| Vauxhall Insignia(2013) | 79% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,958+£150 |
| BMW 1 Series(2013) | 84% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,808same |
| Land Rover Range Rover Evoque(2013) | 86% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,361-£447 |
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 2015 Subaru Outback
Is the 2015 Subaru Outback reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 2015 Subaru Outbacks ended in a pass, from 1,384 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2015 Subaru Outback cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,808 a year (£234 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2015 Subaru Outback?
85% of 1,384 MOT tests on the 2015 Subaru Outback ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 297th of 515 models first registered in 2015 (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 2015 Subaru Outback?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2015 Subaru Outback is 87,656 miles, which is above the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Related Subaru Models
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BMW 3 Series
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BMW 1 Series
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