Nissan Figaro (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 232 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,750

£146/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£20

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

980cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £1,750/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Petrol980cc23 years old232 tests100k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 980cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£20

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,750

Per month£146/mo

Per week£34/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Nissan brand average of 81%.

72% of MOT tests on Nissan Figaros from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 232 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 99,992 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models240th of 429(bottom half)

Rank among Nissan models490th of 635(bottom 23%)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+0%(72% avg)

vs Nissan average-9%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

99,992

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Nissan Figaro had 99,992 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 79%, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 56%. The 2003 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Nissan Figaro by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2017	79%	33	81,214 mi
2016	68%	41	96,034 mi
2015	70%	67	102,710 mi
2014	78%	90	92,064 mi
2013	56%	117	95,560 mi
2012	84%	50	93,486 mi
2011	77%	112	92,730 mi
2010	73%	174	89,516 mi
2009	75%	273	96,489 mi
2008	78%	348	91,888 mi
2007	72%	543	95,932 mi
2006	71%	453	96,189 mi
2005	77%	465	99,209 mi
2004	77%	497	98,277 mi
2003	72%	232	99,992 mi
2002	74%	111	96,207 mi
2001	63%	60	94,444 mi
1992	93%	85	72,469 mi
1991	79%	1,029	91,539 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-1%

Toyota Yaris

2005 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,153/year

73%

+1%

Honda Jazz

2005 · 1300cc Petrol

£2,153/year

70%

-2%

Nissan Micra

2005 · 998cc Petrol

£1,750/year

72%

same

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About the 2003 Nissan Figaro

The 2003 Nissan Figaro is a city car. Our records list a 980cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 232 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 99,992 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan Figaro owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 Nissan Figaro Fuel Costs

The modest 980cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,175 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2003 Nissan Figaro?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,750 (£146/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £20 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.

Nissan Figaro Reliability Trend

Older Nissan Figaros tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 3 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 2003 Nissan Figaro

At 23 years old, the Nissan Figaro 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 1991 model has the highest pass rate at 79%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Coil Pack Failure

Medium risk

Smaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.

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 100k 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 Figaro stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Nissan Figaro(2003)	72%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750
Ford Fiesta(2003)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£403
Toyota Yaris(2005)	73%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£403
Honda Jazz(2005)	70%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£403
Nissan Micra(2005)	72%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2003 Nissan Figaro

Is the 2003 Nissan Figaro reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 2003 Nissan Figaros ended in a pass, from 232 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Nissan Figaro cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,750 a year (£146 a month): £1,175 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Nissan Figaro?

72% of 232 MOT tests on the 2003 Nissan Figaro ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 240th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom half).

Which year Nissan Figaro has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 Nissan Figaro has the highest MOT pass rate at 79% and the 2013 the lowest at 56%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Nissan Figaro?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Nissan Figaro is 99,992 miles, 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.