Subaru Outback SE Auto (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 31 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,658

£222/month

MOT Pass Rate

90%

Excellent

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

3000cc Petrol

Great Choice

90% pass rate, £2,658/year to run. 8 points above average.

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Petrol3000cc20 years old31 tests143k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3000cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,658

Per month£222/mo

Per week£51/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

90% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Subaru brand average of 83%.

90% of MOT tests on Subaru Outback SE Autos from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 31 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 142,509 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models47th of 554(top 9%)

Rank among Subaru models59th of 184(top half)

vs average of all models+8%(82% avg)

vs 2006 models average+17%(73% avg)

vs Subaru average+7%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

142,509

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 Subaru Outback SE Auto had 142,509 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Freelander

2007 · 3192cc Petrol

£3,303/year

75%

-15%

Saab 9-3

2007 · 2792cc Petrol

£2,958/year

76%

-14%

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2008 · 2720cc Petrol

£2,808/year

82%

-8%

Mercedes E

2004 · 3199cc Petrol

£3,303/year

78%

-12%

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About the 2006 Subaru Outback SE Auto

The 2006 Subaru Outback SE Auto is a large car. Our records list a 3000cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 31 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 9% of all 2006 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 142,509 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Subaru Outback SE Auto owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2006 Subaru Outback SE Auto 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 £1,958 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 2006 Subaru Outback SE Auto?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,658 (£222/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Buying a Used 2006 Subaru Outback SE Auto

At 20 years old, the Subaru Outback SE Auto 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. Note: with only 31 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 20 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 143k 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 2006 Subaru Outback SE Auto 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 SE Auto(2006)	90%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,658
Land Rover Freelander(2007)	75%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£645
Saab 9-3(2007)	76%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£300
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2008)	82%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808+£150
Mercedes E(2004)	78%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£645

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 2006 Subaru Outback SE Auto

Is the 2006 Subaru Outback SE Auto reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of MOT tests on 2006 Subaru Outback SE Autos ended in a pass, from 31 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2006 Subaru Outback SE Auto cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,658 a year (£222 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 Subaru Outback SE Auto?

90% of 31 MOT tests on the 2006 Subaru Outback SE Auto ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 47th of 554 models first registered in 2006 (top 9%).

What is the average mileage for a 2006 Subaru Outback SE Auto?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 Subaru Outback SE Auto is 142,509 miles, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.