How much does a 2003 NISSAN PRIMASTAR cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 NISSAN PRIMASTAR?

The 2003 NISSAN PRIMASTAR has a 67% MOT pass rate based on 932 tests in 2026. This ranks 363 out of 445 cars from 2003.

Which year NISSAN PRIMASTAR is most reliable?

The 2009 NISSAN PRIMASTAR has the highest MOT pass rate at 69%. The least reliable year is 2002 at 63%.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 NISSAN PRIMASTAR?

The average mileage for a 2003 NISSAN PRIMASTAR is 154,552 miles, which is in line with the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

NISSAN PRIMASTAR (2003)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 932 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,397

£200/month

MOT Pass Rate

67%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1870cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

67% pass rate, £2397/year to run. 15 points below average.

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Petrol1870cc23 years old932 tests155k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1870cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1870cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,397

Per month£200/mo

Per week£46/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

67% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.

At 23 years old, 67% of NISSAN PRIMASTARs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 932 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 154,552 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 cars363th of 445(top 82%)

Rank among NISSAN models607th of 660(top 92%)

vs national average-15%(82% avg)

vs 2003 cars average-5%(72% avg)

vs NISSAN average-14%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

154,552

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2003 NISSAN PRIMASTAR has 154,552 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 2009 model with a 69% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 63%. The 2003 sits between the two at 67%.

NISSAN PRIMASTAR by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2014	69%	908	121,231 mi
2013	68%	1,048	130,256 mi
2012	66%	983	136,981 mi
2011	67%	1,866	136,762 mi
2010	65%	872	141,695 mi
2009	69%	1,470	141,757 mi
2008	68%	1,765	144,508 mi
2007	68%	2,551	150,502 mi
2006	68%	2,109	151,442 mi
2005	68%	1,914	152,431 mi
2004	68%	1,531	155,712 mi
2003	67%	932	154,552 mi
2002	63%	70	149,766 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

+4%

FORD FOCUS

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

+4%

FORD FIESTA

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£1,722/year

71%

+4%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2004 · 1400cc Petrol

£1,922/year

67%

same

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About the 2003 NISSAN PRIMASTAR

The 2003 NISSAN PRIMASTAR is a family car with a 1870cc petrol engine. 932 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 82% of 2003 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 154,552 miles at 23 years old, NISSAN PRIMASTAR owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 NISSAN PRIMASTAR Fuel Costs

The 1870cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 PRIMASTAR?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

NISSAN PRIMASTAR Reliability Trend

The NISSAN PRIMASTAR has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2003 NISSAN PRIMASTAR

At 23 years old, the NISSAN PRIMASTAR 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 2009 model has the highest pass rate at 69%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2003 NISSAN PRIMASTAR'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.

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 155k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 67% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
NISSAN PRIMASTAR(2003)	67%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2397
MINI MINI(2005)	71%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£570
FORD FOCUS(2005)	71%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£570
FORD FIESTA(2003)	71%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£675
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2004)	67%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1922-£475

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.