Honda Civic (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 14,502 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,156

£180/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£200

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1396cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2,156/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Petrol1396cc23 years old14,502 tests108k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1396cc)

~42 mpg

£1,401

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,156

Per month£180/mo

Per week£41/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.88p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 5 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Honda brand average of 84%.

70% of MOT tests on Honda Civics from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 14,502 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 108,344 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models272nd of 429(bottom half)

Rank among Honda models356th of 402(bottom 12%)

vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average-2%(72% avg)

vs Honda average-14%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

108,344

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Honda Civic had 108,344 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 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2003 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,231/year

71%

+1%

Ford Focus

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,231/year

71%

+1%

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,156/year

71%

+1%

Toyota Yaris

2005 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,156/year

73%

+3%

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About the 2003 Honda Civic

The 2003 Honda Civic is a small family car. Our records list a 1396cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 14,502 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models 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 108,344 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,401 per year with petrol at 174.88p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 5 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2003 Honda Civic?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,156 (£180/month), broken down as £1,401 fuel, £200 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Honda Civic

At 23 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.

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.

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 108k 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.

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 Honda Civic 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
Honda Civic(2003)	70%	£1,401	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,156
MINI(2005)	71%	£1,401	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,231+£75
Ford Focus(2005)	71%	£1,401	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,231+£75
Ford Fiesta(2003)	71%	£1,401	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,156same
Toyota Yaris(2005)	73%	£1,401	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,156same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 5 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 Honda Civic

Is the 2003 Honda Civic reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2003 Honda Civics ended in a pass, from 14,502 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Honda Civic cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,156 a year (£180 a month): £1,401 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Honda Civic?

70% of 14,502 MOT tests on the 2003 Honda Civic ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 272nd of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom half).

Which year Honda Civic has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Honda Civic has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2001 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Honda Civic?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Honda Civic is 108,344 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.