2008 Subaru Legacy diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Subaru Legacy diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Subaru Legacy diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.6× usual
  Subaru Legacy

  38.1% All 2008 cars

  10.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Anti-roll bar link joints5.4× usual
  Subaru Legacy

  22.8% All 2008 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 1.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Sub-frame2.5× usual
  Subaru Legacy

  14.9% All 2008 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

Common 2008 Subaru Legacy diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Subaru Legacy diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  72% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  38% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  37% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  36% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  16% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  13% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Subaru Legacy diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2008 Subaru Legacy diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.4× as often on the 2008 Subaru Legacy diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2008 Subaru Legacy diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?