HYUNDAI ACCENT (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 244 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
244
Avg Mileage
74,373 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,027
Is the 2003 HYUNDAI ACCENT reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HYUNDAI brand average of 83%.
At 21 years old, 69% of HYUNDAI ACCENTs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 244 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 74,373 miles.
How does the 2003 HYUNDAI ACCENT compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 HYUNDAI ACCENT has 74,373 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a HYUNDAI ACCENT?
The most reliable year is the 2007 model with a 74% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2003 sits between the two at 69%.
How much does a 2003 HYUNDAI ACCENT 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.
HYUNDAI ACCENT by Year
Checking a specific HYUNDAI ACCENT?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 HYUNDAI ACCENT
The 2003 HYUNDAI ACCENT is a small family car with a 1495cc petrol engine. 244 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 74,373 miles at 21 years old, HYUNDAI ACCENT owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2003 HYUNDAI ACCENT Fuel Costs
The 1495cc 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 HYUNDAI ACCENT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,027 (£169/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
HYUNDAI ACCENT Reliability Trend
Newer HYUNDAI ACCENTs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 HYUNDAI ACCENT
At 21 years old, the HYUNDAI ACCENT 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 2007 model has the highest pass rate at 74%.
Alternatives to the 2003 HYUNDAI ACCENT
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 (+2%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (+2%) from 41,794 tests
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (+2%) from 29,898 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2005) 73% pass rate (+4%) from 29,754 tests