FORD TRANSIT CONNECT (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 4,907 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
66%
Total Tests (2024)
4,907
Avg Mileage
145,152 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 2003 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 21 years old, 66% of FORD TRANSIT CONNECTs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 4,907 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 145,152 miles.
How does the 2003 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT has 145,152 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 TRANSIT CONNECT?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2003 sits between the two at 66%.
How much does a 2003 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT 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 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 |
Checking a specific FORD TRANSIT CONNECT?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
The 2003 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 4,907 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 85% of 2003 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 145,152 miles at 21 years old, 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 £1,327 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 TRANSIT CONNECT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 15 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
At 21 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.
Alternatives to the 2003 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (+5%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (+5%) from 41,794 tests
- TOYOTA COROLLA (2005) 76% pass rate (+10%) from 19,418 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2005) 67% pass rate (+1%) from 18,423 tests