FORD MUSTANG (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 95 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Total Tests (2024)
95
Avg Mileage
81,097 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,247
Is the 2003 FORD MUSTANG reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 21 years old, 85% of FORD MUSTANGs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 95 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 81,097 miles.
How does the 2003 FORD MUSTANG compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 FORD MUSTANG has 81,097 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a FORD MUSTANG?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2003 sits between the two at 85%.
How much does a 2003 FORD MUSTANG cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FORD MUSTANG by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 96% | 54 | 13,235 mi |
| 2021 | 91% | 923 | 15,949 mi |
| 2020 | 92% | 2,330 | 18,792 mi |
| 2019 | 89% | 3,200 | 23,848 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 5,727 | 30,511 mi |
| 2017 | 90% | 5,161 | 33,418 mi |
| 2016 | 88% | 6,644 | 36,878 mi |
| 2015 | 88% | 797 | 42,568 mi |
| 2014 | 90% | 193 | 54,631 mi |
| 2013 | 90% | 223 | 53,084 mi |
| 2012 | 88% | 250 | 63,500 mi |
| 2011 | 82% | 199 | 70,044 mi |
| 2010 | 86% | 242 | 71,217 mi |
| 2009 | 88% | 260 | 65,602 mi |
| 2008 | 88% | 463 | 57,208 mi |
| 2007 | 87% | 628 | 66,137 mi |
| 2006 | 86% | 651 | 73,935 mi |
| 2005 | 88% | 677 | 72,553 mi |
| 2004 | 82% | 147 | 59,270 mi |
| 2003 | 85% | 95 | 81,097 mi |
| 2002 | 92% | 75 | 77,428 mi |
| 2001 | 85% | 88 | 67,827 mi |
| 2000 | 76% | 128 | 75,538 mi |
| 1999 | 88% | 101 | 85,621 mi |
| 1998 | 90% | 70 | 115,083 mi |
| 1997 | 84% | 125 | 77,032 mi |
| 1996 | 84% | 170 | 96,301 mi |
| 1995 | 84% | 137 | 92,168 mi |
| 1994 | 84% | 124 | 84,772 mi |
| 1991 | 98% | 48 | 73,234 mi |
Checking a specific FORD MUSTANG?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 FORD MUSTANG
The 2003 FORD MUSTANG is a performance with a 4600cc petrol engine. 95 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 12% of all 2003 cars for reliability.
With an average of 81,097 miles at 21 years old, FORD MUSTANG owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 FORD MUSTANG Fuel Costs
The 4600cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 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 FORD MUSTANG?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,247 (£187/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FORD MUSTANG Reliability Trend
Newer FORD MUSTANGs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 FORD MUSTANG
At 21 years old, the FORD MUSTANG 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. Note: with only 95 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2003 FORD MUSTANG
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW X5 (2005) 77% pass rate (-8%) from 11,188 tests
- MERCEDES CLK (2004) 76% pass rate (-9%) from 8,352 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT (2005) 82% pass rate (-3%) from 8,058 tests
- MERCEDES SL (2003) 86% pass rate (+1%) from 5,173 tests