Daewoo Kalos (2003)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 337 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,353
£196/month
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£200
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 8-20
1390cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
65% pass rate, £2,353/year to run. 17 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data.
65% of MOT tests on Daewoo Kaloss from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 337 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 76,140 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
76,140
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2003 Daewoo Kalos had 76,140 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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Daewoo Kalos by Year
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About the 2003 Daewoo Kalos
The 2003 Daewoo Kalos is a small family car. Our records list a 1390cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 337 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 11% of 2003 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 76,140 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Daewoo Kalos 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 Daewoo Kalos Fuel Costs
The 1390cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 Daewoo Kalos?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,353 (£196/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Buying a Used 2003 Daewoo Kalos
At 23 years old, the Daewoo Kalos 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.
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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 65% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 Daewoo Kalos 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daewoo Kalos(2003) | 65% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,353 |
| MINI(2005) | 71% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228-£125 |
| Ford Focus(2005) | 71% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228-£125 |
| Ford Fiesta(2003) | 71% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153-£200 |
| Toyota Yaris(2005) | 73% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153-£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 Daewoo Kalos
Is the 2003 Daewoo Kalos reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 65% of MOT tests on 2003 Daewoo Kaloss ended in a pass, from 337 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2003 Daewoo Kalos cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,353 a year (£196 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Daewoo Kalos?
65% of 337 MOT tests on the 2003 Daewoo Kalos ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 383rd of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom 11%).
What is the average mileage for a 2003 Daewoo Kalos?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Daewoo Kalos is 76,140 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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