Kia Magentis (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 40 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,958

£247/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2493cc Petrol

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2,958/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2493cc23 years old40 tests86k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2493cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,958

Per month£247/mo

Per week£57/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 Kia brand average of 86%.

78% of MOT tests on Kia Magentiss from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 40 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 85,889 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models128th of 429(top half)

Rank among Kia models369th of 471(bottom 22%)

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

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

vs Kia average-8%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

85,889

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Kia Magentis had 85,889 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 2010 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 74%, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2003 scores 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Kia Magentis by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2010	74%	153	107,450 mi
2009	69%	200	96,374 mi
2008	66%	151	82,999 mi
2007	65%	166	91,077 mi
2006	68%	202	86,367 mi
2005	67%	111	73,997 mi
2004	74%	58	74,704 mi
2003	78%	40	85,889 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Renault Clio

2005 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,711/year

67%

-11%

Honda CR-V

2005 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,511/year

70%

-8%

Mercedes E

2005 · 2597cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

same

Ford Mondeo

2004 · 2000cc Petrol

£2,711/year

69%

-9%

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About the 2003 Kia Magentis

The 2003 Kia Magentis is a large car. Our records list a 2493cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 40 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 85,889 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Kia Magentis owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 Kia Magentis Fuel Costs

The 2493cc 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 Kia Magentis?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,958 (£247/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 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.

Kia Magentis Reliability Trend

The Kia Magentis has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2003 Kia Magentis

At 23 years old, the Kia Magentis 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 2010 model has the highest pass rate at 74%. Note: with only 40 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.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 86k 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.

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 Kia Magentis 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
Kia Magentis(2003)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958
Renault Clio(2005)	67%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711-£247
Honda CR-V(2005)	70%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511-£447
Mercedes E(2005)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958same
Ford Mondeo(2004)	69%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711-£247

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 Kia Magentis

Is the 2003 Kia Magentis reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 2003 Kia Magentiss ended in a pass, from 40 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 Kia Magentis cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,958 a year (£247 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 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 Kia Magentis?

78% of 40 MOT tests on the 2003 Kia Magentis ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 128th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top half).

Which year Kia Magentis has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2010 Kia Magentis has the highest MOT pass rate at 74% and the 2007 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Kia Magentis?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Kia Magentis is 85,889 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.