SUBARU WRX (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 141 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,042
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
96%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2457cc Petrol
Great Choice
96% pass rate, £2042/year to run. 14 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 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 14 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SUBARU brand average of 83%.
At 8 years old, 96% of SUBARU WRXs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 141 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 28,648 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
28,648
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 SUBARU WRX has 28,648 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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SUBARU WRX by Year
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About the 2018 SUBARU WRX
The 2018 SUBARU WRX is a large car with a 2457cc petrol engine. 141 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 14% of all 2018 cars for reliability.
With an average of 28,648 miles at 8 years old, SUBARU WRX owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2018 SUBARU WRX Fuel Costs
The 2457cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 2018 SUBARU WRX?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,042 (£170/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 96% 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 2018 SUBARU WRX
At 8 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 SUBARU WRX's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 8 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 2018 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(2018) | 96% | £1592 | £195 | Grp 25-38 | £2042 |
| VOLVO XC40(2020) | 93% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£270 |
| JAGUAR F-PACE(2017) | 90% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£270 |
| FORD MONDEO(2016) | 87% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£175 |
| VOLVO XC60(2016) | 86% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£175 |
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.
Related Subaru Models
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VOLVO XC40
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FORD MONDEO
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