How much does a 2003 NISSAN PRIMERA cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

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

The 2003 NISSAN PRIMERA has a 71% MOT pass rate based on 778 tests in 2026. This ranks 276 out of 445 cars from 2003.

Which year NISSAN PRIMERA is most reliable?

The 1995 NISSAN PRIMERA has the highest MOT pass rate at 78%. The least reliable year is 1993 at 59%.

NISSAN PRIMERA (2003)

Q: Is the 2003 NISSAN PRIMERA reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of NISSAN PRIMERAs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 778 tests. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2003 NISSAN PRIMERA?

The average mileage for a 2003 NISSAN PRIMERA is 97,457 miles, 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.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 778 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1769cc Petrol

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Petrol1769cc23 years old778 tests97k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1769cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1769cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,197

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/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

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.

At 23 years old, 71% of NISSAN PRIMERAs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 778 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 97,457 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 cars276th of 445(top 62%)

Rank among NISSAN models529th of 660(top 80%)

vs national average-11%(82% avg)

vs 2003 cars average-1%(72% avg)

vs NISSAN average-10%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

97,457

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2003 NISSAN PRIMERA has 97,457 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 1995 model with a 78% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 59%. The 2003 sits between the two at 71%.

NISSAN PRIMERA by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2006	71%	876	93,864 mi
2005	70%	1,346	96,366 mi
2004	73%	884	101,219 mi
2003	71%	778	97,457 mi
2002	69%	573	93,604 mi
2001	71%	266	86,445 mi
2000	63%	153	91,010 mi
1999	72%	614	94,917 mi
1998	75%	661	98,694 mi
1997	74%	413	95,198 mi
1996	74%	119	102,610 mi
1995	78%	54	86,506 mi
1994	76%	34	71,893 mi
1993	59%	56	98,848 mi
1992	70%	40	86,859 mi
1991	78%	36	84,924 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

same

FORD FOCUS

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

same

FORD FIESTA

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£1,722/year

71%

same

TOYOTA YARIS

2005 · 1299cc Petrol

£1,722/year

73%

+2%

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About the 2003 NISSAN PRIMERA

The 2003 NISSAN PRIMERA is a family car with a 1769cc petrol engine. 778 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 falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 97,457 miles at 23 years old, NISSAN PRIMERA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 NISSAN PRIMERA Fuel Costs

The 1769cc 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 PRIMERA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

NISSAN PRIMERA Reliability Trend

The NISSAN PRIMERA has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2003 NISSAN PRIMERA

At 23 years old, the NISSAN PRIMERA 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 1995 model has the highest pass rate at 78%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2003 NISSAN PRIMERA'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

Medium risk

With an average of 97k 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 PRIMERA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
NISSAN PRIMERA(2003)	71%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2197
MINI MINI(2005)	71%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
FORD FOCUS(2005)	71%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
FORD FIESTA(2003)	71%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£475
TOYOTA YARIS(2005)	73%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£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.