CHRYSLER NEON (2003)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 41 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,197
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Average
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1996cc Petrol
Check Carefully
76% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 6 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1996cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%.
At 23 years old, 76% of CHRYSLER NEONs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 41 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 63,990 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
63,990
Average miles
170,200
Expected for age
The average 2003 CHRYSLER NEON has 63,990 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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?
The most reliable year is the 2001 model with a 73% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 62%. The 2003 sits between the two at 76%.
CHRYSLER NEON by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2003 CHRYSLER NEON
The 2003 CHRYSLER NEON is a family car with a 1996cc petrol engine. 41 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 63,990 miles at 23 years old, CHRYSLER NEON 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 CHRYSLER NEON Fuel Costs
The 1996cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 CHRYSLER NEON?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2003 CHRYSLER NEON
At 23 years old, the CHRYSLER NEON 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2001 model has the highest pass rate at 73%. Note: with only 41 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2003 CHRYSLER NEON's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 23 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
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 CHRYSLER NEON stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHRYSLER NEON(2003) | 76% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| MINI MINI(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| FORD FOCUS(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| TOYOTA COROLLA(2005) | 76% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2005) | 67% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217+£20 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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