Ford Transit Connect (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 4,907 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,711

£226/month

MOT Pass Rate

66%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

1998cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

66% pass rate, £2,711/year to run. 16 points below average.

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Petrol1998cc23 years old4,907 tests145k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£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

66% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.

66% of MOT tests on Ford Transit Connects from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 4,907 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 145,152 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models363rd of 429(bottom 16%)

Rank among Ford models1088th of 1,136(bottom 5%)

vs average of all models-16%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average-6%(72% avg)

vs Ford average-19%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

145,152

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Ford Transit Connect had 145,152 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 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2003 scores 66%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Ford Transit Connect by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	88%	191	40,487 mi
2021	87%	17,354	47,152 mi
2020	84%	18,651	57,161 mi
2019	84%	25,912	67,506 mi
2018	85%	28,585	81,064 mi
2017	85%	31,221	92,291 mi
2016	84%	24,852	103,494 mi
2015	82%	24,244	111,819 mi
2014	81%	19,467	121,448 mi
2013	74%	7,981	114,048 mi
2012	73%	10,682	119,235 mi
2011	71%	10,797	130,178 mi
2010	68%	9,782	135,398 mi
2009	69%	9,569	129,536 mi
2008	68%	14,134	142,643 mi
2007	67%	16,093	145,361 mi
2006	66%	13,833	143,865 mi
2005	66%	9,725	144,944 mi
2004	66%	7,089	142,957 mi
2003	66%	4,907	145,152 mi
2002	66%	471	143,956 mi

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About the 2003 Ford Transit Connect

The 2003 Ford Transit Connect is a van. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 4,907 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 16% of 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 145,152 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Transit Connect owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 Ford Transit Connect Fuel Costs

The 1998cc 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 Transit Connect?

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 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Ford Transit Connect Reliability Trend

Newer Ford Transit Connects pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 15 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Ford Transit Connect

At 23 years old, the Ford Transit Connect 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 87%.

What the 2003 Ford Transit Connect Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 897 MOT tests on the 2003 Ford Transit Connect that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

Lights and electrics59%
Same age: 50%
Suspension50%
Same age: 38% (fails on this more often)
Brakes37%
Same age: 31%
Body, chassis and structure36%
Same age: 22% (fails on this more often)

DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Ford Transit Connect reliability and common problems

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 145k 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 66% 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.

Questions about the 2003 Ford Transit Connect

Is the 2003 Ford Transit Connect reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 66% of MOT tests on 2003 Ford Transit Connects ended in a pass, from 4,907 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 16 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Ford Transit Connect 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 Transit Connect?

66% of 4,907 MOT tests on the 2003 Ford Transit Connect ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 363rd of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom 16%).

Which year Ford Transit Connect has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Ford Transit Connect has the highest MOT pass rate at 87% and the 2002 the lowest at 66%. 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 Transit Connect?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Ford Transit Connect is 145,152 miles, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.