SUBARU XV (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,318 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,047
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
84%
Good
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Solid Option
84% pass rate, £2047/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1998cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 10 years old, 84% of SUBARU XVs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,318 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 61,562 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
61,562
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 SUBARU XV has 61,562 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 80%. The 2016 sits between the two at 84%.
SUBARU XV by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 SUBARU XV
The 2016 SUBARU XV is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 1,318 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 61,562 miles at 10 years old, SUBARU XV owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 SUBARU XV Fuel Costs
The 1998cc 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 2016 SUBARU XV?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SUBARU XV Reliability Trend
Newer SUBARU XVs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 SUBARU XV
At 10 years old, the SUBARU XV 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 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 SUBARU XV's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 10 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.
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.
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 2016 SUBARU XV stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUBARU XV(2016) | 84% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2047 |
| FORD FOCUS(2014) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£370 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2014) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£220 |
| FORD KUGA(2018) | 90% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£465 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2015) | 88% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£370 |
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
Explore other Subaru cars or similar models in the same category.
SUBARU IMPREZA
2005 · 1994cc Petrol
SUBARU FORESTER
2014 · 1998cc Petrol
SUBARU OUTBACK
2015 · 2500cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2014 · 1596cc Petrol
NISSAN QASHQAI
2014 · 1600cc Petrol
FORD KUGA
2018 · 1499cc Petrol
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