Hyundai Elantra (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 46 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,228

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1599cc Petrol

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2,228/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1599cc23 years old46 tests73k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1599cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,228

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/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

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Hyundai brand average of 83%.

78% of MOT tests on Hyundai Elantras from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 46 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 73,357 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models127th of 429(top half)

Rank among Hyundai models266th of 414(bottom half)

vs average of all models-4%(82% avg)

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

vs Hyundai average-5%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

73,357

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Hyundai Elantra had 73,357 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Hyundai Elantra by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2005	63%	64	100,198 mi
2004	66%	53	102,607 mi
2003	78%	46	73,357 mi
2002	47%	55	95,887 mi
2001	63%	67	93,713 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-7%

Ford Focus

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-7%

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-7%

Toyota Yaris

2005 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,153/year

73%

-5%

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About the 2003 Hyundai Elantra

The 2003 Hyundai Elantra is a small family car. Our records list a 1599cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 46 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 73,357 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Hyundai Elantra 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 Elantra Fuel Costs

The 1599cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 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 Hyundai Elantra?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,228 (£186/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 2003 Hyundai Elantra

At 23 years old, the Hyundai Elantra 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. Note: with only 46 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

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 Hyundai Elantra 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
Hyundai Elantra(2003)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228
MINI(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
Ford Focus(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
Ford Fiesta(2003)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£75
Toyota Yaris(2005)	73%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£75

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 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 Hyundai Elantra

Is the 2003 Hyundai Elantra reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 2003 Hyundai Elantras ended in a pass, from 46 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Hyundai Elantra cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,228 a year (£186 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 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 Hyundai Elantra?

78% of 46 MOT tests on the 2003 Hyundai Elantra ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 127th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top half).

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Hyundai Elantra?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Hyundai Elantra is 73,357 miles, 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.