CarCostCheck

ISUZU BIGHORN (2003)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 38 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,535

£211/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£735

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3050cc Diesel

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £2535/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Diesel3050cc23 years old38 tests179k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 3050cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 3050cc

£735
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£2,535
Per month£211/mo
Per week£49/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

79% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 23 years old, 79% of ISUZU BIGHORNs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 38 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 179,141 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 cars117th of 445(top 26%)
Rank among ISUZU models39th of 101(top 39%)
vs national average-3%(82% avg)
vs 2003 cars average+7%(72% avg)
vs ISUZU average+1%(78% avg)

Mileage Analysis

179,141

Average miles

vs

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2003 ISUZU BIGHORN has 179,141 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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ISUZU BIGHORN by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200476%38168,401 mi
200379%38179,141 mi

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About the 2003 ISUZU BIGHORN

The 2003 ISUZU BIGHORN is a performance with a 3050cc diesel engine. 38 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 179,141 miles at 23 years old, ISUZU BIGHORN owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 ISUZU BIGHORN Fuel Costs

The 3050cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2003 ISUZU BIGHORN?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,535 211/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £735 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 2003 ISUZU BIGHORN

At 23 years old, the ISUZU BIGHORN 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 38 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2003 ISUZU BIGHORN's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 179k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 ISUZU BIGHORN stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
ISUZU BIGHORN(2003)79%£1245£735Grp 35-50£2535
BMW 3 SERIES(2005)78%£1245£250Grp 30-42£2050-£485
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2005)78%£1245£250Grp 30-42£2050-£485
FORD MONDEO(2005)69%£1245£250Grp 30-42£2250-£285
FIAT DUCATO(2005)77%£1245£250Grp 30-42£2050-£485

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

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Explore other Isuzu cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

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