HONDA CIVIC (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 14,502 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Total Tests (2024)
14,502
Avg Mileage
108,344 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,722
Is the 2003 HONDA CIVIC reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HONDA brand average of 84%.
At 21 years old, 70% of HONDA CIVICs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 14,502 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 108,344 miles.
How does the 2003 HONDA CIVIC compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 HONDA CIVIC has 108,344 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 HONDA CIVIC?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2003 sits between the two at 70%.
How much does a 2003 HONDA CIVIC 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.
HONDA CIVIC by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 92% | 349 | 26,594 mi |
| 2020 | 93% | 7,003 | 31,000 mi |
| 2019 | 92% | 24,222 | 38,422 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 26,013 | 46,367 mi |
| 2017 | 90% | 26,452 | 51,272 mi |
| 2016 | 89% | 26,607 | 63,520 mi |
| 2015 | 87% | 24,580 | 73,001 mi |
| 2014 | 86% | 23,400 | 81,465 mi |
| 2013 | 85% | 24,777 | 91,361 mi |
| 2012 | 83% | 21,831 | 94,140 mi |
| 2011 | 76% | 20,167 | 92,437 mi |
| 2010 | 75% | 31,308 | 104,886 mi |
| 2009 | 74% | 36,553 | 111,499 mi |
| 2008 | 72% | 40,632 | 118,507 mi |
| 2007 | 72% | 45,025 | 122,456 mi |
| 2006 | 71% | 28,045 | 126,100 mi |
| 2005 | 73% | 24,685 | 110,833 mi |
| 2004 | 72% | 20,938 | 113,431 mi |
| 2003 | 70% | 14,502 | 108,344 mi |
| 2002 | 72% | 12,455 | 110,076 mi |
| 2001 | 70% | 8,335 | 103,354 mi |
| 2000 | 77% | 2,871 | 96,666 mi |
| 1999 | 75% | 4,540 | 98,943 mi |
| 1998 | 73% | 3,450 | 97,935 mi |
| 1997 | 72% | 2,947 | 98,250 mi |
| 1996 | 73% | 2,065 | 99,417 mi |
| 1995 | 80% | 1,223 | 100,022 mi |
| 1994 | 80% | 781 | 93,399 mi |
| 1993 | 88% | 427 | 92,937 mi |
| 1992 | 87% | 297 | 97,411 mi |
| 1991 | 83% | 581 | 103,278 mi |
| 1990 | 79% | 253 | 89,385 mi |
Checking a specific HONDA CIVIC?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 HONDA CIVIC
The 2003 HONDA CIVIC is a small family car with a 1396cc petrol engine. 14,502 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 108,344 miles at 21 years old, HONDA CIVIC owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 HONDA CIVIC Fuel Costs
The 1396cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 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 HONDA CIVIC?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,722 (£144/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
HONDA CIVIC Reliability Trend
Newer HONDA CIVICs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 HONDA CIVIC
At 21 years old, the HONDA CIVIC 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 93%. With 14,502 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2003 HONDA CIVIC
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 (+1%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (+1%) from 41,794 tests
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (+1%) from 29,898 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2005) 73% pass rate (+3%) from 29,754 tests