SUBARU WRX (2017)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 640 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,777
£148/month
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
2000cc Petrol
Great Choice
94% pass rate, £1777/year to run. 12 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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 12 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SUBARU brand average of 83%.
At 9 years old, 94% of SUBARU WRXs from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 640 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 36,734 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
36,734
Average miles
66,600
Expected for age
The average 2017 SUBARU WRX has 36,734 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2011 model has the lowest at 90%. The 2017 sits between the two at 94%.
SUBARU WRX by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2017 SUBARU WRX
The 2017 SUBARU WRX is a family car with a 2000cc petrol engine. 640 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 17% of all 2017 cars for reliability.
With an average of 36,734 miles at 9 years old, SUBARU WRX owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2017 SUBARU WRX Fuel Costs
The 2000cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2017 SUBARU WRX?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,777 (£148/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
SUBARU WRX Reliability Trend
The SUBARU WRX has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2017 SUBARU WRX
At 9 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2017 SUBARU WRX's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 9 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.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2017 SUBARU WRX stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUBARU WRX(2017) | 94% | £1327 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1777 |
| FORD FOCUS(2015) | 85% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£100 |
| HYUNDAI TUCSON(2019) | 90% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£195 |
| HYUNDAI I10(2017) | 88% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1732-£45 |
| MERCEDES GLA(2018) | 90% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£195 |
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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