NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED (2003)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 167 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,380
£115/month
MOT Pass Rate
83%
Good
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
980cc Petrol
Solid Option
83% pass rate, £1380/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 980cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 23 years old, 83% of NISSAN UNCLASSIFIEDs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 167 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 92,796 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
92,796
Average miles
170,200
Expected for age
The average 2003 NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED has 92,796 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 2019 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 63%. The 2003 sits between the two at 83%.
NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 83% | 194 | 80,045 mi | |
| 2019 | 88% | 338 | 85,559 mi | |
| 2018 | 78% | 313 | 98,608 mi | |
| 2017 | 82% | 201 | 92,173 mi | |
| 2016 | 84% | 130 | 92,691 mi | |
| 2015 | 83% | 131 | 100,106 mi | |
| 2014 | 79% | 117 | 82,089 mi | |
| 2013 | 75% | 122 | 83,027 mi | |
| 2012 | 76% | 218 | 95,583 mi | |
| 2011 | 76% | 159 | 101,498 mi | |
| 2010 | 82% | 243 | 87,067 mi | |
| 2009 | 78% | 286 | 91,859 mi | |
| 2008 | 82% | 437 | 88,907 mi | |
| 2007 | 76% | 425 | 90,820 mi | |
| 2006 | 76% | 355 | 92,051 mi | |
| 2005 | 77% | 288 | 100,285 mi | |
| 2004 | 82% | 220 | 95,613 mi | |
| 2003 | 83% | 167 | 92,796 mi | |
| 2002 | 75% | 96 | 93,844 mi | |
| 2001 | 63% | 65 | 94,594 mi | |
| 2000 | 61% | 41 | 113,356 mi | |
| 1999 | 88% | 60 | 93,809 mi | |
| 1998 | 65% | 63 | 82,473 mi | |
| 1997 | 71% | 38 | 92,409 mi | |
| 1991 | 77% | 121 | 83,984 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2003 NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED
The 2003 NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED is a city car with a 980cc petrol engine. 167 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 16% of all 2003 cars for reliability.
With an average of 92,796 miles at 23 years old, NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED 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 £955 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 UNCLASSIFIED?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,380 (£115/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED Reliability Trend
Newer NISSAN UNCLASSIFIEDs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED
At 23 years old, the NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2003 NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskWith an average of 93k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 UNCLASSIFIED stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NISSAN UNCLASSIFIED(2003) | 83% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1380 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£342 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2005) | 73% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£342 |
| HONDA JAZZ(2005) | 70% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£342 |
| NISSAN MICRA(2005) | 72% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£160 |
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.
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