Subaru

Subaru Justy (2009)

327 real MOT outcomes analysed • 80.1% first-time pass rate

2009 Subaru Justy

CarHunch analysed 327 real MOT records for the 2009 Subaru Justy. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 327 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

The 2009 Subaru Justy matches the UK average first-time pass rate at 80.1%, which sounds reassuring until you look deeper: over a third of these cars (34.2%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, well above typical levels, so this model demands careful inspection before purchase. The high proportion of vehicles with serious safety issues is a genuine concern for buyers considering this generation.

At roughly 50,000 miles on the clock, these Justys show typical wear for their age, but the real story is in the detail—owners are averaging 3.24 failures per test and a substantial 20.3 advisories, indicating widespread minor wear and maintenance needs. Before buying, get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically checks suspension, brakes, and electrical systems, since the advisory numbers suggest these are common trouble spots on this model.

The 2009 Subaru Justy has a decent first-time pass rate (80.1%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
80.1%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
34.3%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
3.24
Over 15.4 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
49k
Middle half: 34k–65k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 20.3 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 327 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 327 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Brake wear 42.5%
Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material · Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Tyre wear 39.2%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Suspension & steering 31.1%
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play · Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play · Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2009.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 327 Subaru Justy cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2009 Subaru Justy

Based on MOT data from 327 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 34.3% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (99%) 324 80.1% 3.26

Colour Breakdown

Based on 5,678 Subaru Justy vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Red 26.2%
1,490
Blue 22.2%
1,263
White 14.6%
828
Silver 13.7%
778
Green 10.7%
610
Purple 4.6%
262
Black 3.5%
200
Grey 2.7%
156
Maroon 1.3%
72
Turquoise 0.3%
19

Mileage Distribution

Most 2009 Subaru Justy vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

48,697
typical
34,308
low mileage
64,601
high mileage

Half of all 2009 Subaru Justy vehicles fall between 34,308 and 64,601 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 34,308 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
34,308–64,601 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2009 Subaru Justys sit.
Over 87,211 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2009 Subaru Justy — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 68% of 2009 Subaru Justys are still active.

210 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 68% of the peak remain.

309 210 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

15.4
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
3.24
Avg failures per vehicle
20.3
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Subaru Justy: All Justy years → Which year to buy? →
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Watch for defects — worth knowing