Hyundai Sonata (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 38 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,361

£197/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1997cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,361/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1997cc23 years old38 tests76k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1997cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,361

Per month£197/mo

Per week£45/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

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

82% of MOT tests on Hyundai Sonatas from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 38 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 75,884 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models83rd of 429(top 20%)

Rank among Hyundai models246th of 414(bottom half)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+10%(72% avg)

vs Hyundai average-1%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

75,884

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Hyundai Sonata had 75,884 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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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2003 scores 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Hyundai Sonata by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2010	89%	44	105,703 mi
2009	69%	98	82,721 mi
2008	67%	101	107,212 mi
2007	75%	174	100,433 mi
2006	73%	195	95,075 mi
2005	69%	188	88,254 mi
2004	83%	58	83,612 mi
2003	82%	38	75,884 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-11%

Ford Focus

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-11%

Toyota Corolla

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

76%

-6%

Renault Clio

2005 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,711/year

67%

-15%

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About the 2003 Hyundai Sonata

The 2003 Hyundai Sonata is a family car. Our records list a 1997cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 38 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 20% of all 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 75,884 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Hyundai Sonata 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 Sonata Fuel Costs

The 1997cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 Sonata?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,361 (£197/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Hyundai Sonata Reliability Trend

The Hyundai Sonata has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2003 Hyundai Sonata

At 23 years old, the Hyundai Sonata 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 75%. Note: with only 38 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.

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.

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 Sonata 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 Sonata(2003)	82%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361
MINI(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Ford Focus(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Toyota Corolla(2005)	76%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Renault Clio(2005)	67%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711+£350

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 Sonata

Is the 2003 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 2003 Hyundai Sonatas ended in a pass, from 38 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Hyundai Sonata cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,361 a year (£197 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Hyundai Sonata?

82% of 38 MOT tests on the 2003 Hyundai Sonata ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 83rd of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top 20%).

Which year Hyundai Sonata has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 Hyundai Sonata has the highest MOT pass rate at 75% and the 2008 the lowest at 67%. 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 Sonata?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Hyundai Sonata is 75,884 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.