CarCostCheck

NISSAN ELGRAND (2003)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 965 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,907

£242/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3490cc Petrol

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £2907/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Petrol3490cc23 years old965 tests95k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3490cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 3490cc

£760
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£2,907
Per month£242/mo
Per week£56/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

76% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.

At 23 years old, 76% of NISSAN ELGRANDs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 965 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 94,747 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 cars159th of 445(top 36%)
Rank among NISSAN models421th of 660(top 64%)
vs national average-6%(82% avg)
vs 2003 cars average+4%(72% avg)
vs NISSAN average-5%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

94,747

Average miles

vs

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2003 NISSAN ELGRAND has 94,747 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 2012 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2003 sits between the two at 76%.

NISSAN ELGRAND by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202178%1,20085,586 mi
202075%1,28394,341 mi
201977%1,05593,209 mi
201874%1,024100,903 mi
201774%1,418107,416 mi
201670%1,161111,139 mi
201574%906113,591 mi
201480%643102,225 mi
201385%87084,821 mi
201288%88981,269 mi
201186%1,30986,045 mi
201086%2,00880,709 mi
200985%1,64374,175 mi
200884%3,59980,342 mi
200784%3,62280,586 mi
200681%2,47977,312 mi
200581%2,68886,787 mi
200478%1,45587,390 mi
200376%96594,747 mi
200277%654100,061 mi
200169%14084,961 mi
200078%103111,995 mi
199973%102116,236 mi
199868%99126,254 mi
199763%48132,291 mi

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About the 2003 NISSAN ELGRAND

The 2003 NISSAN ELGRAND is a performance with a 3490cc petrol engine. 965 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 94,747 miles at 23 years old, NISSAN ELGRAND owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 NISSAN ELGRAND Fuel Costs

The 3490cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 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 NISSAN ELGRAND?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,907 242/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

NISSAN ELGRAND Reliability Trend

The NISSAN ELGRAND has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2003 NISSAN ELGRAND

At 23 years old, the NISSAN ELGRAND 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 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.

Common Issues to Watch For

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

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 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 risk

Larger 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 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

Medium risk

With an average of 95k 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.

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 NISSAN ELGRAND stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
NISSAN ELGRAND(2003)76%£1592£760Grp 35-50£2907
BMW 3 SERIES(2001)77%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£510
MERCEDES E(2004)78%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£510
PORSCHE BOXSTER(2005)86%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£660
PORSCHE 911(2005)90%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2097-£810

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.

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Related Guides

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