Nissan Micra (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 17,510 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,750

£146/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£20

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

998cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £1,750/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Petrol998cc23 years old17,510 tests81k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 998cc)

~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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Nissan brand average of 81%.

70% of MOT tests on Nissan Micras from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 17,510 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 80,670 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models271st of 429(bottom half)

Rank among Nissan models521st of 635(bottom 19%)

vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average-2%(72% avg)

vs Nissan average-11%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

80,670

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Nissan Micra had 80,670 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 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2003 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Nissan Micra by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	93%	468	16,266 mi
2021	94%	10,540	17,646 mi
2020	91%	8,364	22,724 mi
2019	89%	13,764	28,831 mi
2018	84%	16,905	37,762 mi
2017	80%	21,797	41,414 mi
2016	84%	16,327	37,593 mi
2015	83%	20,028	45,113 mi
2014	81%	22,597	50,183 mi
2013	80%	19,076	54,963 mi
2012	78%	19,107	61,174 mi
2011	77%	21,009	66,242 mi
2010	77%	26,270	75,332 mi
2009	76%	26,535	78,114 mi
2008	75%	24,575	82,396 mi
2007	74%	23,186	82,908 mi
2006	74%	30,922	88,685 mi
2005	72%	27,370	87,328 mi
2004	71%	19,303	84,423 mi
2003	70%	17,510	80,670 mi
2002	70%	13,066	68,980 mi
2001	69%	7,680	68,798 mi
2000	68%	4,949	69,584 mi
1999	70%	6,792	71,270 mi
1998	69%	4,351	71,417 mi
1997	70%	2,273	73,070 mi
1996	67%	1,762	71,420 mi
1995	70%	1,055	74,079 mi
1994	73%	806	74,603 mi
1993	71%	455	79,043 mi
1992	79%	323	64,989 mi
1991	72%	383	62,054 mi
1990	70%	352	70,634 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

+1%

Toyota Yaris

2005 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,153/year

73%

+3%

Honda Jazz

2005 · 1300cc Petrol

£2,153/year

70%

same

Volkswagen Polo

2004 · 1400cc Petrol

£2,353/year

67%

-3%

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About the 2003 Nissan Micra

The 2003 Nissan Micra is a city car. Our records list a 998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 17,510 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 80,670 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan Micra owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 Nissan Micra Fuel Costs

The modest 998cc 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 Micra?

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 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Nissan Micra Reliability Trend

Newer Nissan Micras pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Nissan Micra

At 23 years old, the Nissan Micra 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 17,510 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

What the 2003 Nissan Micra Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 3,617 MOT tests on the 2003 Nissan Micra that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

Lights and electrics64%
Same age: 50% (fails on this more often)
Suspension39%
Same age: 38%
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors19%
Same age: 18%
Body, chassis and structure16%
Same age: 22% (fails on this less often)

DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Nissan Micra reliability, common problems and years to avoid

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 81k 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 Micra 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 Micra(2003)	70%	£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
Volkswagen Polo(2004)	67%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,353+£603

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 Micra

Is the 2003 Nissan Micra reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2003 Nissan Micras ended in a pass, from 17,510 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Nissan Micra 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 Micra?

70% of 17,510 MOT tests on the 2003 Nissan Micra ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 271st of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom half).

Which year Nissan Micra has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Nissan Micra has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 1996 the lowest at 67%. 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 Micra?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Nissan Micra is 80,670 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.