Subaru Outback Motor Finance - Owner Information | MLJ.org.uk

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Subaru Outback Motor Finance - Owner Information | MLJ.org.uk

Last updated: 27 February 2026

The Subaru Outback, a popular midsize crossover SUV known for its versatility and reliable performance, was commonly sold on Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements during the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) investigation period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. The FCA’s probe into motor finance practices revealed significant issues with discretionary commission arrangements, affecting millions of consumers who financed their vehicles through these schemes.

How the Subaru Outback was Typically Financed

Subaru Outbacks were often purchased using PCP and HP agreements that ranged from £15,000 to £30,000. Typical PCP terms for the Outback included 36-48 month periods with a final balloon payment at the end of the term. Common lenders who provided finance options for Subaru Outbacks during this period include Black Horse, Barclays Partner Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, and Santander Consumer Finance. In PCP agreements, the total cost of the vehicle is divided into monthly payments plus a final balloon payment, which represents the estimated residual value of the car at the end of the finance term. This structure can be attractive to buyers who plan to return the vehicle or make a large lump sum payment to own it outright at the end.

The FCA Motor Finance Investigation

The FCA launched an investigation into motor finance practices that uncovered widespread mis-selling through discretionary commission arrangements. These arrangements allowed car dealerships and brokers to receive additional payments from lenders based on sales volumes, potentially influencing how they advised customers. As a result of this investigation, it was found that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) were affected, with an estimated total value of £7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026). The average mis-selling compensation per agreement was around £829 (FCA estimate).

How to Information about agreements covered by the FCA schemeation period and suspect that you may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling, there are several key points to check in your finance agreement:

Relevant Dates: Ensure that the date of your finance agreement falls within 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024.
Discretionary Commission (DCA): Look for any references to "discretionary commission" or similar terms. If you notice these, it is a strong indicator that the arrangement may have been influenced by such payments.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

If you believe your Subaru Outback finance agreement was affected by motor finance mis-selling, you can complain directly to your lender without needing to use a claims management company. Common lenders for Subaru include Black Horse, Barclays Partner Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, and Santander Consumer Finance. Each of these institutions has established procedures for handling complaints related to financial agreements. You do not need a claims management company; you can file your complaint directly with the lender at no cost to yourself. This process is straightforward and allows you to address any issues without additional fees or intermediaries.

Sources and References

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), 2024
Office for National Statistics Census 2021

Subaru Outback MOT Pass Rate

Based on 7,645 MOT tests conducted in 2024 (source: DVSA anonymised test data), the Subaru Outback has a pass rate of 82.1%. This is close to the national average of 79.6%, meaning the Outback performs about average in MOT testing.

The Outback pass rate is in line with the overall Subaru average of 81.1%. The average mileage at MOT for this model is 86,716 miles.

MOT pass rate: 82.1%
MOT failure rate: 17.9%
Tests analysed: 7,645 (2024 DVSA data)
Average mileage at test: 86,716 miles
Subaru average pass rate: 81.1%
National average pass rate: 79.6%

Data source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results 2024, published under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check if my Subaru Outback motor finance agreement was mis-sold?

To determine if your Subaru Outback motor finance agreement was mis-sold, review whether you were given adequate information about cheaper alternatives, such as personal loans or leasing options. Mis-selling may also occur if the terms of the finance deal do not match your needs or if you were pressured into a decision.

What steps should I take if I suspect my Subaru Outback motor finance agreement was mis-sold?

If you suspect that your Subaru Outback motor finance agreement was mis-sold, start by reviewing the paperwork and contacting the lender directly to explain your concerns. You can complain directly to your lender for free without needing a claims management company.

What are the common signs of mis-selling in a Subaru Outback motor finance deal?

Common signs of mis-selling include being pressured into accepting an agreement, not fully understanding the terms and conditions, or being unaware of less expensive financing options. Mis-selling can also occur if your financial situation does not match the affordability of the deal.

How many Subaru Outback motor finance agreements might have been mis-sold from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024?

Estimating specific figures for mis-sold Subaru Outback motor finance agreements is challenging without detailed data. However, the broader market for consumer credit and PPI mis-selling has affected millions of consumers. For context, 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) may have been mis-sold during this period.

Important: MLJ.org.uk is an independent information resource. We are not a claims management company, solicitor, law firm, or financial adviser. We do not process claims, take fees, or provide advice. Where the law gives you a right to complain or claim directly (to a lender, council, FOS, court, or regulator), you can do so without paying a third party. MLJ.org.uk is operated by Copious Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 11437826.