Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca (2003)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 121 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,227
£186/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£275
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
n/a
2000cc Diesel
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Car rate estimate; motorhomes are taxed differently
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Auto-Trail brand average of 77%.
70% of MOT tests on Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Cariocas from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 121 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 63,473 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
63,473
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2003 Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca had 63,473 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2002 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 80%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 70%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2003 Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca
The 2003 Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca is a motorhome. Our records list a 2000cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 121 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 63,473 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2003 Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca Fuel Costs
The 2000cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2003 Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2003 Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca
At 23 years old, the Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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 2003 Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca(2003) | 70% | £1,397 | £275 | n/a | £2,227 |
| Volkswagen Transporter(2005) | 72% | £1,676 | £410 | n/a | £2,641+£414 |
| Vauxhall Vivaro(2005) | 68% | £1,397 | £275 | n/a | £2,427+£200 |
| Ford Transit Connect(2005) | 66% | £1,397 | £275 | n/a | £2,427+£200 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2003 Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca
Is the 2003 Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2003 Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Cariocas ended in a pass, from 121 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2003 Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca?
70% of 121 MOT tests on the 2003 Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 291st of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom half).
Which year Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2002 Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca has the highest MOT pass rate at 80% and the 2003 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2003 Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Auto-Trail Ducato 15 LWB TD Carioca is 63,473 miles, which is significantly below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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