MAZDA TRIBUTE (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 55 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Total Tests (2024)
55
Avg Mileage
96,421 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 21 years old, 65% of MAZDA TRIBUTEs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 55 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 96,421 miles.
How does the 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE has 96,421 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
How much does a 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MAZDA TRIBUTE by Year
Checking a specific MAZDA TRIBUTE?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE
The 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE is a family car with a 1989cc petrol engine. 55 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 91% of 2003 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 96,421 miles at 21 years old, MAZDA TRIBUTE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE Fuel Costs
The 1989cc 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 TRIBUTE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Buying a Used 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE
At 21 years old, the MAZDA TRIBUTE 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. Note: with only 55 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (+6%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (+6%) from 41,794 tests
- TOYOTA COROLLA (2005) 76% pass rate (+11%) from 19,418 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2005) 67% pass rate (+2%) from 18,423 tests