Nissan Primastar (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 932 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,711

£226/month

MOT Pass Rate

67%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

1870cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

67% pass rate, £2,711/year to run. 15 points below average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Nissan Primastar

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol1870cc23 years old932 tests155k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1870cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,711

Per month£226/mo

Per week£52/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

67% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Nissan brand average of 81%.

67% of MOT tests on Nissan Primastars from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 932 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 154,552 miles.

Got a Nissan Primastar you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models349th of 429(bottom 19%)

Rank among Nissan models585th of 635(bottom 9%)

vs average of all models-15%(82% avg)

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

vs Nissan average-14%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

154,552

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Nissan Primastar had 154,552 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

Looking at a specific Nissan Primastar?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2009 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 69%, while the 2010 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2003 scores 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Check a Specific Nissan Primastar

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 2003 Nissan Primastar

The 2003 Nissan Primastar is a van. Our records list a 1870cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 932 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 19% of 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 154,552 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,631 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 Primastar?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,711 (£226/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 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 1 percentage point.

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

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.

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.

Questions about the 2003 Nissan Primastar

Is the 2003 Nissan Primastar reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 67% of MOT tests on 2003 Nissan Primastars ended in a pass, from 932 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Nissan Primastar cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,711 a year (£226 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

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

67% of 932 MOT tests on the 2003 Nissan Primastar ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 349th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom 19%).

Which year Nissan Primastar has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2009 Nissan Primastar has the highest MOT pass rate at 69% and the 2010 the lowest at 65%. 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 Primastar?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Nissan Primastar is 154,552 miles, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.