Ford Galaxy (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,350 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,427

£202/month

MOT Pass Rate

65%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1896cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

65% pass rate, £2,427/year to run. 17 points below average.

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Diesel1896cc23 years old1,350 tests142k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1896cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,427

Per month£202/mo

Per week£47/wk

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

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 Ford brand average of 85%.

65% of MOT tests on Ford Galaxys from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 1,350 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 141,515 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models379th of 429(bottom 12%)

Rank among Ford models1102nd of 1,136(bottom 4%)

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

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

vs Ford average-20%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

141,515

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Ford Galaxy had 141,515 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2003 scores 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Ford Galaxy by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	97%	39	33,627 mi
2021	84%	2,862	37,362 mi
2020	88%	3,372	38,272 mi
2019	87%	4,575	59,091 mi
2018	87%	6,260	85,958 mi
2017	87%	8,623	87,594 mi
2016	87%	7,907	101,278 mi
2015	78%	4,825	116,199 mi
2014	75%	8,480	116,745 mi
2013	75%	7,456	123,704 mi
2012	74%	8,679	124,488 mi
2011	73%	8,397	130,512 mi
2010	73%	8,239	134,101 mi
2009	73%	7,511	139,669 mi
2008	71%	6,940	144,781 mi
2007	70%	6,821	149,176 mi
2006	68%	3,533	147,772 mi
2005	65%	2,979	139,801 mi
2004	64%	1,728	140,322 mi
2003	65%	1,350	141,515 mi
2002	69%	657	136,801 mi
2001	66%	424	134,965 mi
2000	67%	110	147,374 mi
1999	64%	174	119,479 mi
1998	72%	201	145,838 mi
1997	67%	130	135,717 mi
1996	68%	85	131,370 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2005 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

70%

+5%

Volkswagen Golf

2005 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

+7%

Volkswagen Polo

2005 · 1400cc Diesel

£2,144/year

68%

+3%

Vauxhall Astra

2005 · 1598cc Diesel

£2,144/year

69%

+4%

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About the 2003 Ford Galaxy

The 2003 Ford Galaxy is a family car. Our records list a 1896cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,350 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 12% of 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 141,515 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Galaxy owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 Ford Galaxy Fuel Costs

The 1896cc 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 Ford Galaxy?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 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.

Ford Galaxy Reliability Trend

Newer Ford Galaxys pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 13 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Ford Galaxy

At 23 years old, the Ford Galaxy 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.

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 out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 142k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 Ford Galaxy 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
Ford Galaxy(2003)	65%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,427
Ford Fiesta(2005)	70%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944-£483
Volkswagen Golf(2005)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£200
Volkswagen Polo(2005)	68%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£2,144-£283
Vauxhall Astra(2005)	69%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£2,144-£283

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 Ford Galaxy

Is the 2003 Ford Galaxy reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 65% of MOT tests on 2003 Ford Galaxys ended in a pass, from 1,350 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 Ford Galaxy cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,427 a year (£202 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 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 Ford Galaxy?

65% of 1,350 MOT tests on the 2003 Ford Galaxy ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 379th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom 12%).

Which year Ford Galaxy has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Ford Galaxy has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 1999 the lowest at 64%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Ford Galaxy?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Ford Galaxy is 141,515 miles, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.