Hyundai Santa Fe (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 620 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,158

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

68%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2351cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

68% pass rate, £3,158/year to run. 14 points below average.

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Petrol2351cc23 years old620 tests118k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2351cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£3,158

Per month£263/mo

Per week£61/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

68% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Hyundai brand average of 83%.

68% of MOT tests on Hyundai Santa Fes from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 620 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 117,994 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models325th of 429(bottom 25%)

Rank among Hyundai models374th of 414(bottom 10%)

vs average of all models-14%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average-4%(72% avg)

vs Hyundai average-15%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

117,994

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe had 117,994 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 94%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 61%. The 2003 scores 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Hyundai Santa Fe by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	89%	1,002	29,234 mi
2020	94%	1,279	35,189 mi
2019	89%	2,285	43,694 mi
2018	90%	3,459	52,064 mi
2017	88%	4,595	61,527 mi
2016	86%	7,907	67,815 mi
2015	85%	5,704	76,900 mi
2014	79%	4,992	88,159 mi
2013	76%	2,963	95,138 mi
2012	74%	6,090	103,389 mi
2011	72%	6,616	113,847 mi
2010	72%	6,348	118,050 mi
2009	73%	1,368	112,515 mi
2008	72%	1,527	121,485 mi
2007	72%	2,446	126,098 mi
2006	69%	2,452	115,781 mi
2005	69%	1,436	122,489 mi
2004	70%	1,054	119,124 mi
2003	68%	620	117,994 mi
2002	69%	254	114,308 mi
2001	61%	138	99,758 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Renault Clio

2005 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,711/year

67%

-1%

Honda CR-V

2005 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,511/year

70%

+2%

Mercedes E

2005 · 2597cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

+10%

Volkswagen Passat

2005 · 1984cc Petrol

£2,511/year

74%

+6%

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About the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is a large car. Our records list a 2351cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 620 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 25% of 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 117,994 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Hyundai Santa Fe owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 Hyundai Santa Fe Fuel Costs

The 2351cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 Santa Fe?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,158 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Hyundai Santa Fe Reliability Trend

Newer Hyundai Santa Fes pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe

At 23 years old, the Hyundai Santa Fe 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 94%.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 23 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 118k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 68% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe(2003)	68%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£3,158
Renault Clio(2005)	67%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711-£447
Honda CR-V(2005)	70%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511-£647
Mercedes E(2005)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958-£200
Volkswagen Passat(2005)	74%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511-£647

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 Santa Fe

Is the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 68% of MOT tests on 2003 Hyundai Santa Fes ended in a pass, from 620 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,158 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe?

68% of 620 MOT tests on the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 325th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom 25%).

Which year Hyundai Santa Fe has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2001 the lowest at 61%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is 117,994 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.