PEUGEOT 406 (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,181 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Total Tests (2024)
1,181
Avg Mileage
150,072 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,597
Is the 2003 PEUGEOT 406 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the PEUGEOT brand average of 83%.
At 21 years old, 68% of PEUGEOT 406s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,181 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 150,072 miles.
How does the 2003 PEUGEOT 406 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 PEUGEOT 406 has 150,072 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a PEUGEOT 406?
The most reliable year is the 1996 model with a 77% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2003 sits between the two at 68%.
How much does a 2003 PEUGEOT 406 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
PEUGEOT 406 by Year
Checking a specific PEUGEOT 406?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 PEUGEOT 406
The 2003 PEUGEOT 406 is a large car with a 2230cc petrol engine. 1,181 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 76% of 2003 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 150,072 miles at 21 years old, PEUGEOT 406 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2003 PEUGEOT 406 Fuel Costs
The 2230cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 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 PEUGEOT 406?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,597 (£216/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
PEUGEOT 406 Reliability Trend
Older PEUGEOT 406s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 4 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 2003 PEUGEOT 406
At 21 years old, the PEUGEOT 406 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 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 77%.
Alternatives to the 2003 PEUGEOT 406
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- RENAULT CLIO (2005) 67% pass rate (-1%) from 18,423 tests
- MERCEDES C (2005) 73% pass rate (+5%) from 17,978 tests
- HONDA CR-V (2005) 70% pass rate (+2%) from 16,222 tests
- AUDI A4 (2005) 75% pass rate (+7%) from 15,245 tests