Ford Mondeo (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 4,276 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,711

£226/month

MOT Pass Rate

68%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1999cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

68% pass rate, £2,711/year to run. 14 points below average.

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Petrol1999cc23 years old4,276 tests117k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1999cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,711

Per month£226/mo

Per week£52/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

68% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.

68% of MOT tests on Ford Mondeos from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 4,276 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 116,650 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models319th of 429(bottom half)

Rank among Ford models1066th of 1,136(bottom 7%)

vs average of all models-14%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average-4%(72% avg)

vs Ford average-17%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

116,650

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Ford Mondeo had 116,650 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2003 scores 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Ford Mondeo by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	94%	80	54,644 mi
2021	89%	1,710	39,889 mi
2020	89%	3,652	50,239 mi
2019	90%	7,466	61,857 mi
2018	90%	11,913	73,505 mi
2017	88%	18,073	84,027 mi
2016	87%	26,925	92,893 mi
2015	86%	29,704	100,819 mi
2014	80%	20,850	117,891 mi
2013	78%	22,767	125,216 mi
2012	78%	29,196	125,913 mi
2011	77%	24,537	131,601 mi
2010	75%	29,714	132,388 mi
2009	74%	29,480	135,619 mi
2008	72%	28,655	139,585 mi
2007	71%	22,117	133,332 mi
2006	71%	13,543	124,230 mi
2005	69%	11,436	124,025 mi
2004	69%	7,419	121,520 mi
2003	68%	4,276	116,650 mi
2002	68%	3,281	115,320 mi
2001	69%	2,982	115,470 mi
2000	70%	1,210	105,568 mi
1999	71%	1,232	100,805 mi
1998	72%	794	104,643 mi
1997	71%	552	100,239 mi
1996	73%	574	95,491 mi
1995	69%	426	96,846 mi
1994	76%	255	97,557 mi
1993	83%	217	97,667 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

+3%

Ford Focus

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

+3%

Toyota Corolla

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

76%

+8%

Renault Clio

2005 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,711/year

67%

-1%

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About the 2003 Ford Mondeo

The 2003 Ford Mondeo is a family car. Our records list a 1999cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 4,276 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 116,650 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Mondeo owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 Ford Mondeo Fuel Costs

The 1999cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 Ford Mondeo?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,711 (£226/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Ford Mondeo Reliability Trend

Newer Ford Mondeos pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Ford Mondeo

At 23 years old, the Ford Mondeo 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 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 90%.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 23 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

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 117k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 68% 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 Mondeo 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 Mondeo(2003)	68%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711
MINI(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£483
Ford Focus(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£483
Toyota Corolla(2005)	76%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£483
Renault Clio(2005)	67%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711same

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 Mondeo

Is the 2003 Ford Mondeo reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 68% of MOT tests on 2003 Ford Mondeos ended in a pass, from 4,276 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Ford Mondeo cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,711 a year (£226 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 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 Mondeo?

68% of 4,276 MOT tests on the 2003 Ford Mondeo ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 319th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom half).

Which year Ford Mondeo has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 Ford Mondeo has the highest MOT pass rate at 90% and the 2002 the lowest at 68%. 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 Mondeo?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Ford Mondeo is 116,650 miles, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.