SUBARU OUTBACK SE AUTO (2006)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 31 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,277
£190/month
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Excellent
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
3000cc Petrol
Great Choice
90% pass rate, £2277/year to run. 8 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3000cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SUBARU brand average of 83%.
At 20 years old, 90% of SUBARU OUTBACK SE AUTOs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 31 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 142,509 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
142,509
Average miles
148,000
Expected for age
The average 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK SE AUTO has 142,509 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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About the 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK SE AUTO
The 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK SE AUTO is a large car with a 3000cc petrol engine. 31 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 9% of all 2006 cars for reliability.
With an average of 142,509 miles at 20 years old, 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK SE AUTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,277 (£190/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 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
Based on the 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK SE AUTO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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 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
Watch outWith 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn 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 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 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK SE AUTO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUBARU OUTBACK SE AUTO(2006) | 90% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 30-42 | £2277 |
| LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2007) | 75% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397+£120 |
| SAAB 9-3(2007) | 76% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397+£120 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2008) | 82% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2247-£30 |
| MERCEDES E(2004) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397+£120 |
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.
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