Kia Sportage (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 50 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1991cc Diesel

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Diesel1991cc23 years old50 tests70k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1991cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Kia brand average of 86%.

74% of MOT tests on Kia Sportages from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 50 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 70,392 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models200th of 429(top half)

Rank among Kia models395th of 471(bottom 17%)

vs average of all models-8%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+2%(72% avg)

vs Kia average-12%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

70,392

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Kia Sportage had 70,392 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 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2003 scores 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Kia Sportage by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	92%	1,082	24,731 mi
2021	91%	31,542	24,767 mi
2020	90%	21,479	30,287 mi
2019	89%	58,319	39,545 mi
2018	88%	60,314	48,804 mi
2017	86%	65,441	59,147 mi
2016	85%	66,048	67,665 mi
2015	82%	37,017	74,778 mi
2014	81%	34,495	83,477 mi
2013	76%	34,980	91,808 mi
2012	75%	24,908	99,218 mi
2011	74%	15,295	106,602 mi
2010	73%	7,894	103,955 mi
2009	70%	4,499	103,156 mi
2008	70%	2,910	106,403 mi
2007	65%	2,676	109,553 mi
2006	66%	2,245	112,934 mi
2005	66%	2,354	112,304 mi
2004	97%	31	123,135 mi
2003	74%	50	70,392 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2005 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

-2%

Vauxhall Astra

2005 · 1598cc Diesel

£2,144/year

69%

-5%

Honda Civic

2005 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

73%

-1%

Audi A3

2005 · 1595cc Diesel

£1,944/year

72%

-2%

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About the 2003 Kia Sportage

The 2003 Kia Sportage is a family car. Our records list a 1991cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 50 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 70,392 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Kia Sportage 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 Kia Sportage Fuel Costs

The 1991cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 Kia Sportage?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Kia Sportage Reliability Trend

Newer Kia Sportages pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 15 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Kia Sportage

At 23 years old, the Kia Sportage 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. Note: with only 50 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.

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.

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 Kia Sportage 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 Sportage(2003)	74%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
Volkswagen Golf(2005)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Vauxhall Astra(2005)	69%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£2,144-£83
Honda Civic(2005)	73%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£414
Audi A3(2005)	72%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944-£283

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 Sportage

Is the 2003 Kia Sportage reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MOT tests on 2003 Kia Sportages ended in a pass, from 50 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Kia Sportage cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 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 Sportage?

74% of 50 MOT tests on the 2003 Kia Sportage ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 200th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top half).

Which year Kia Sportage has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Kia Sportage has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% 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 Sportage?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Kia Sportage is 70,392 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.