DAEWOO TACUMA (2003)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 30 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,157
£180/month
MOT Pass Rate
63%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
63% pass rate, £2157/year to run. 19 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1598cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 19 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the DAEWOO brand average of 67%.
At 23 years old, 63% of DAEWOO TACUMAs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 30 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 71,464 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
71,464
Average miles
170,200
Expected for age
The average 2003 DAEWOO TACUMA has 71,464 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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About the 2003 DAEWOO TACUMA
The 2003 DAEWOO TACUMA is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 30 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 95% of 2003 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 71,464 miles at 23 years old, DAEWOO TACUMA 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 TACUMA Fuel Costs
The 1598cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 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 DAEWOO TACUMA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,157 (£180/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 63% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Buying a Used 2003 DAEWOO TACUMA
At 23 years old, the DAEWOO TACUMA 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. Note: with only 30 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2003 DAEWOO TACUMA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 63% 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 TACUMA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAEWOO TACUMA(2003) | 63% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £2157 |
| MINI MINI(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£330 |
| FORD FOCUS(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£330 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£435 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2005) | 73% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£435 |
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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