MERCEDES MOTOR CARAVAN (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 43 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
43
Avg Mileage
68,939 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 2003 MERCEDES MOTOR CARAVAN reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 21 years old, 72% of MERCEDES MOTOR CARAVANs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 43 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 68,939 miles.
How does the 2003 MERCEDES MOTOR CARAVAN compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 MERCEDES MOTOR CARAVAN has 68,939 miles on the clock, 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.
How much does a 2003 MERCEDES MOTOR CARAVAN 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.
MERCEDES MOTOR CARAVAN by Year
Checking a specific MERCEDES MOTOR CARAVAN?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 MERCEDES MOTOR CARAVAN
The 2003 MERCEDES MOTOR CARAVAN is a large car with a 2700cc diesel engine. 43 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, 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 68,939 miles at 21 years old, MERCEDES MOTOR CARAVAN 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 MERCEDES MOTOR CARAVAN Fuel Costs
The 2700cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 MERCEDES MOTOR CARAVAN?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,050 (£171/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2003 MERCEDES MOTOR CARAVAN
At 21 years old, the MERCEDES MOTOR CARAVAN 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 43 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2003 MERCEDES MOTOR CARAVAN
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2005) 78% pass rate (+6%) from 24,924 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (2005) 73% pass rate (+1%) from 24,685 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (2005) 72% pass rate (same) from 20,813 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (2005) 78% pass rate (+6%) from 17,079 tests