Is the 2003 MAZDA 2 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MAZDA 2s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 646 tests. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2003 MAZDA 2 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), including £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 MAZDA 2?

The 2003 MAZDA 2 has a 75% MOT pass rate based on 646 tests in 2026. This ranks 177 out of 445 cars from 2003.

Which year MAZDA 2 is most reliable?

The 2019 MAZDA 2 has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%. The least reliable year is 2008 at 70%.

MAZDA 2 (2003)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2003 MAZDA 2?

The average mileage for a 2003 MAZDA 2 is 91,192 miles, 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.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 646 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,887

£157/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£195

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 8-20

1250cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £1887/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol1250cc23 years old646 tests91k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1250cc)

~42 mpg

£1,137

Road Tax

Based on 1250cc

£195

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,887

Per month£157/mo

Per week£36/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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.

At 23 years old, 75% of MAZDA 2s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 646 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 91,192 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 cars177th of 445(top 40%)

Rank among MAZDA models312th of 483(top 65%)

vs national average-7%(82% avg)

vs 2003 cars average+3%(72% avg)

vs MAZDA average-6%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

91,192

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2003 MAZDA 2 has 91,192 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 2019 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2003 sits between the two at 75%.

MAZDA 2 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2020	97%	30	25,674 mi
2019	92%	12,113	27,997 mi
2018	91%	12,473	35,410 mi
2017	90%	11,574	42,686 mi
2016	87%	15,776	51,000 mi
2015	85%	15,877	57,096 mi
2014	79%	14,202	60,500 mi
2013	77%	14,893	67,601 mi
2012	76%	15,653	71,124 mi
2011	74%	18,883	77,682 mi
2010	72%	22,897	86,346 mi
2009	71%	22,733	91,854 mi
2008	70%	14,817	97,282 mi
2007	72%	4,816	90,403 mi
2006	73%	2,297	83,579 mi
2005	71%	1,957	86,126 mi
2004	71%	1,546	89,679 mi
2003	75%	646	91,192 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

-4%

FORD FOCUS

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

-4%

FORD FIESTA

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£1,722/year

71%

-4%

TOYOTA YARIS

2005 · 1299cc Petrol

£1,722/year

73%

-2%

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About the 2003 MAZDA 2

The 2003 MAZDA 2 is a small family car with a 1250cc petrol engine. 646 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 91,192 miles at 23 years old, MAZDA 2 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 MAZDA 2 Fuel Costs

The 1250cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 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 MAZDA 2?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MAZDA 2 Reliability Trend

Newer MAZDA 2s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2003 MAZDA 2

At 23 years old, the MAZDA 2 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2003 MAZDA 2's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 91k 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 MAZDA 2 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MAZDA 2(2003)	75%	£1137	£195	Grp 8-20	£1887
MINI MINI(2005)	71%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£60
FORD FOCUS(2005)	71%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£60
FORD FIESTA(2003)	71%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£165
TOYOTA YARIS(2005)	73%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£165

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.