How much does a 2003 MERCEDES SPRINTER cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), including £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 MERCEDES SPRINTER?

The 2003 MERCEDES SPRINTER has a 75% MOT pass rate based on 1,675 tests in 2026. This ranks 172 out of 445 cars from 2003.

Which year MERCEDES SPRINTER is most reliable?

The 2022 MERCEDES SPRINTER has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%. The least reliable year is 1996 at 68%.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 MERCEDES SPRINTER?

The average mileage for a 2003 MERCEDES SPRINTER is 143,352 miles, which is in line with the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

MERCEDES SPRINTER (2003)

Q: Is the 2003 MERCEDES SPRINTER reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MERCEDES SPRINTERs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 1,675 tests. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,675 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,195

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2151cc Diesel

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2195/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Diesel2151cc23 years old1,675 tests143k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2151cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245

Road Tax

Based on 2151cc

£395

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,195

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/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 MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 23 years old, 75% of MERCEDES SPRINTERs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,675 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 143,352 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 cars172th of 445(top 39%)

Rank among MERCEDES models1257th of 1,408(top 89%)

vs national average-7%(82% avg)

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

vs MERCEDES average-12%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

143,352

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2003 MERCEDES SPRINTER has 143,352 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2003 sits between the two at 75%.

MERCEDES SPRINTER by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	92%	156	64,875 mi
2021	85%	757	50,032 mi
2020	89%	1,701	60,989 mi
2019	88%	2,195	90,467 mi
2018	87%	2,215	98,916 mi
2017	88%	2,626	108,282 mi
2016	83%	2,447	120,235 mi
2015	83%	3,151	137,553 mi
2014	80%	3,008	140,703 mi
2013	79%	2,484	146,792 mi
2012	75%	2,351	138,262 mi
2011	79%	2,140	150,457 mi
2010	78%	2,065	144,887 mi
2009	79%	1,741	143,543 mi
2008	77%	2,264	141,659 mi
2007	76%	2,122	148,349 mi
2006	74%	1,788	142,955 mi
2005	73%	1,716	132,628 mi
2004	74%	1,821	132,046 mi
2003	75%	1,675	143,352 mi
2002	73%	1,618	137,516 mi
2001	75%	1,138	146,632 mi
2000	73%	702	143,745 mi
1999	72%	606	149,141 mi
1998	72%	749	147,305 mi
1997	74%	466	142,617 mi
1996	68%	200	148,195 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2005 · 1896cc Diesel

£1,727/year

72%

-3%

HONDA CIVIC

2005 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,050/year

73%

-2%

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

2005 · 2460cc Diesel

£2,050/year

72%

-3%

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

2005 · 2600cc Diesel

£2,050/year

78%

+3%

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About the 2003 MERCEDES SPRINTER

The 2003 MERCEDES SPRINTER is a family car with a 2151cc diesel engine. 1,675 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight 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 143,352 miles at 23 years old, MERCEDES SPRINTER owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 MERCEDES SPRINTER Fuel Costs

The 2151cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 SPRINTER?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 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.

MERCEDES SPRINTER Reliability Trend

Newer MERCEDES SPRINTERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2003 MERCEDES SPRINTER

At 23 years old, the MERCEDES SPRINTER 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.

Common Issues to Watch For

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

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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

Watch out

With an average of 143k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn 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 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 MERCEDES SPRINTER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MERCEDES SPRINTER(2003)	75%	£1245	£395	Grp 25-38	£2195
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2005)	72%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£468
HONDA CIVIC(2005)	73%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2005)	72%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2005)	78%	£1245	£250	Grp 30-42	£2050-£145

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.