KIA SEDONA (2003)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 189 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,777
£231/month
MOT Pass Rate
63%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2497cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
63% pass rate, £2777/year to run. 19 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2497cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 19 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the KIA brand average of 86%.
At 23 years old, 63% of KIA SEDONAs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 189 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 99,332 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
99,332
Average miles
170,200
Expected for age
The average 2003 KIA SEDONA has 99,332 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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?
The most reliable year is the 2011 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 57%. The 2003 sits between the two at 63%.
KIA SEDONA by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2003 KIA SEDONA
The 2003 KIA SEDONA is a large car with a 2497cc petrol engine. 189 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 94% of 2003 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 99,332 miles at 23 years old, KIA SEDONA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 KIA SEDONA Fuel Costs
The 2497cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 KIA SEDONA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,777 (£231/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 63% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
KIA SEDONA Reliability Trend
Newer KIA SEDONAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 KIA SEDONA
At 23 years old, the KIA SEDONA 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 2011 model has the highest pass rate at 76%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2003 KIA SEDONA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskWith an average of 99k 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 riskHigh-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 outWith a 63% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 SEDONA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIA SEDONA(2003) | 63% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2777 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2005) | 67% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£560 |
| HONDA CR-V(2005) | 70% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£760 |
| MERCEDES E(2005) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£380 |
| FORD MONDEO(2004) | 69% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£560 |
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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