MAZDA DEMIO (2003)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 111 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,157
£180/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1498cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £2157/year to run. 13 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1498cc
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 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 23 years old, 69% of MAZDA DEMIOs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 111 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 74,111 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
74,111
Average miles
170,200
Expected for age
The average 2003 MAZDA DEMIO has 74,111 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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?
The most reliable year is the 1998 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 69%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
MAZDA DEMIO by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2003 MAZDA DEMIO
The 2003 MAZDA DEMIO is a small family car with a 1498cc petrol engine. 111 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 falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 74,111 miles at 23 years old, MAZDA DEMIO 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 MAZDA DEMIO Fuel Costs
The 1498cc 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 DEMIO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,157 (£180/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
MAZDA DEMIO Reliability Trend
The MAZDA DEMIO has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 MAZDA DEMIO
At 23 years old, the MAZDA DEMIO 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2003 MAZDA DEMIO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 69% 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 MAZDA DEMIO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA DEMIO(2003) | 69% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £2157 |
| MINI MINI(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£330 |
| FORD FOCUS(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£330 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£435 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2005) | 73% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£435 |
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.
Related Mazda Models
Explore other Mazda cars or similar models in the same category.
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MINI MINI
2005 · 1598cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2005 · 1596cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2003 · 1388cc Petrol
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