Fiat Punto (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,537 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

1242cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

65% pass rate, £2,353/year to run. 17 points below average.

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Petrol1242cc23 years old2,537 tests77k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1242cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,353

Per month£196/mo

Per week£45/wk

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

65% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Fiat brand average of 83%.

65% of MOT tests on Fiat Puntos from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 2,537 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 76,820 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models378th of 429(bottom 13%)

Rank among Fiat models744th of 788(bottom 6%)

vs average of all models-17%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average-7%(72% avg)

vs Fiat average-18%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

76,820

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Fiat Punto had 76,820 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 2017 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 82%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 59%. The 2003 scores 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Fiat Punto by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	82%	533	36,705 mi
2017	82%	1,938	42,168 mi
2016	80%	2,771	49,988 mi
2015	78%	4,212	58,107 mi
2014	75%	6,811	66,591 mi
2013	74%	8,286	72,757 mi
2012	75%	10,812	77,391 mi
2011	73%	8,165	85,661 mi
2010	73%	9,295	90,318 mi
2009	72%	3,697	87,540 mi
2008	70%	11,118	92,805 mi
2007	69%	17,634	91,428 mi
2006	69%	11,997	91,215 mi
2005	69%	3,095	79,650 mi
2004	67%	4,412	80,375 mi
2003	65%	2,537	76,820 mi
2002	70%	1,360	72,229 mi
2001	73%	622	61,550 mi
2000	59%	291	75,865 mi
1999	70%	247	65,869 mi
1998	80%	329	71,966 mi
1997	73%	174	69,103 mi
1996	78%	147	73,333 mi
1995	75%	153	65,118 mi
1994	76%	79	69,645 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

+6%

Ford Focus

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

+6%

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

+6%

Toyota Yaris

2005 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,153/year

73%

+8%

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About the 2003 Fiat Punto

The 2003 Fiat Punto is a small family car. Our records list a 1242cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,537 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 13% of 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 76,820 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Fiat Punto 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 Fiat Punto Fuel Costs

The 1242cc 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 Fiat Punto?

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.

Fiat Punto Reliability Trend

Newer Fiat Puntos pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Fiat Punto

At 23 years old, the Fiat Punto 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 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 82%.

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 out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With 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 risk

Always 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 Fiat Punto 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
Fiat Punto(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 Fiat Punto

Is the 2003 Fiat Punto reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 65% of MOT tests on 2003 Fiat Puntos ended in a pass, from 2,537 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 Fiat Punto 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 Fiat Punto?

65% of 2,537 MOT tests on the 2003 Fiat Punto ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 378th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom 13%).

Which year Fiat Punto has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 Fiat Punto has the highest MOT pass rate at 82% and the 2000 the lowest at 59%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Fiat Punto?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Fiat Punto is 76,820 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.