FORD GALAXY (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,350 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Total Tests (2024)
1,350
Avg Mileage
141,515 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,927
Is the 2003 FORD GALAXY reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 21 years old, 65% of FORD GALAXYs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,350 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 141,515 miles.
How does the 2003 FORD GALAXY compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 FORD GALAXY has 141,515 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a FORD GALAXY?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2003 sits between the two at 65%.
How much does a 2003 FORD GALAXY cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific FORD GALAXY?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 FORD GALAXY
The 2003 FORD GALAXY is a family car with a 1896cc diesel engine. 1,350 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 89% of 2003 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 141,515 miles at 21 years old, 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 £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 £1,927 (£161/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 FORD GALAXY
At 21 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%.
Alternatives to the 2003 FORD GALAXY
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2005) 70% pass rate (+5%) from 48,429 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2005) 72% pass rate (+7%) from 41,401 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2005) 68% pass rate (+3%) from 30,507 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2005) 69% pass rate (+4%) from 29,377 tests