MAZDA E SERIES (2003)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 36 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,197
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Average
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
2000cc Petrol
Check Carefully
75% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 7 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 2000cc
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
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 E SERIESs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 36 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 129,916 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
129,916
Average miles
170,200
Expected for age
The average 2003 MAZDA E SERIES has 129,916 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 2004 model with a 79% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2003 sits between the two at 75%.
MAZDA E SERIES by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 76% | 51 | 92,371 mi | |
| 2017 | 77% | 227 | 109,478 mi | |
| 2015 | 70% | 341 | 118,471 mi | |
| 2014 | 74% | 86 | 124,774 mi | |
| 2013 | 69% | 71 | 132,287 mi | |
| 2011 | 57% | 37 | 130,980 mi | |
| 2010 | 76% | 33 | 143,721 mi | |
| 2004 | 79% | 92 | 128,761 mi | |
| 2003 | 75% | 36 | 129,916 mi | |
| 2002 | 72% | 116 | 111,263 mi | |
| 2001 | 69% | 159 | 113,168 mi | |
| 2000 | 69% | 163 | 113,518 mi | |
| 1999 | 75% | 84 | 134,044 mi | |
| 1998 | 63% | 49 | 114,463 mi | |
| 1996 | 69% | 42 | 90,740 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2003 MAZDA E SERIES
The 2003 MAZDA E SERIES is a family car with a 2000cc petrol engine. 36 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 beats that benchmark.
With an average of 129,916 miles at 23 years old, MAZDA E SERIES owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 MAZDA E SERIES Fuel Costs
The 2000cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 E SERIES?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 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 E SERIES Reliability Trend
The MAZDA E SERIES has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 MAZDA E SERIES
At 23 years old, the MAZDA E SERIES 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 2004 model has the highest pass rate at 79%. Note: with only 36 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2003 MAZDA E SERIES'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
Watch outWith an average of 130k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
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 E SERIES stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA E SERIES(2003) | 75% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| MINI MINI(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| FORD FOCUS(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| TOYOTA COROLLA(2005) | 76% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2005) | 67% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217+£20 |
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
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