2008 Subaru Legacy · 1,363 MOT tests
2008 Subaru Legacy reliability
2008 Subaru Legacys fail 38.9% of first MOT tests, 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 8 Legacy years (1,363 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Subaru Legacys: 36.7%)
- 38.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Subaru Legacys: 36.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 10% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 113,574
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,363
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- 2009 cars: 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 9.3% of tests fail here (45% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 55% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2008 car carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
Common problems
What fails on a 2008 Subaru Legacy
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics18.5%
- Suspension13.1%
- Brakes10.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.3%
- Body, chassis and structure7.3%
- Tyres7.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 4.62%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Stop lamp not working 4.26%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 3.6%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3.52%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
CV joint boot split or insecure 3.15%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Exhaust has major gas leak 3.08%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Common advisories
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (20.54%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.91%) · Linkage ball joint slight play (11.67%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.61%) · Brake pads wearing thin (9.61%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.29%)
Other years
Every Subaru Legacy year
The full picture: Subaru Legacy reliability. Before you pay for any Subaru Legacy, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2008 Subaru Legacy reliable?
2008 Subaru Legacys fail 38.9% of first MOT tests, 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 8 Legacy years (1,363 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Subaru Legacy MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (4.62% of tests), stop lamp not working (4.26% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (3.6% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Subaru Legacy have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Subaru Legacy shows 113,574 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2008 car?
A car first registered in 2008 carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
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