Peugeot 406 (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,181 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,158

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

68%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2230cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

68% pass rate, £3,158/year to run. 14 points below average.

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Petrol2230cc23 years old1,181 tests150k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2230cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£3,158

Per month£263/mo

Per week£61/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

68% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Peugeot brand average of 83%.

68% of MOT tests on Peugeot 406s from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 1,181 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 150,072 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models323rd of 429(bottom 25%)

Rank among Peugeot models658th of 709(bottom 8%)

vs average of all models-14%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average-4%(72% avg)

vs Peugeot average-15%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

150,072

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Peugeot 406 had 150,072 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 77%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2003 scores 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Peugeot 406 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2004	68%	373	142,734 mi
2003	68%	1,181	150,072 mi
2002	69%	1,132	144,648 mi
2001	70%	973	142,375 mi
2000	70%	752	140,312 mi
1999	71%	902	127,727 mi
1998	71%	783	126,345 mi
1997	73%	377	124,640 mi
1996	77%	140	123,050 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Renault Clio

2005 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,711/year

67%

-1%

Mercedes C

2005 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,511/year

73%

+5%

Honda CR-V

2005 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,511/year

70%

+2%

Audi A4

2005 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,511/year

75%

+7%

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About the 2003 Peugeot 406

The 2003 Peugeot 406 is a large car. Our records list a 2230cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,181 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 25% of 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 150,072 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 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 Peugeot 406?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,158 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 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 23 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%.

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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 150k 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 68% 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 Peugeot 406 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Peugeot 406(2003)	68%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£3,158
Renault Clio(2005)	67%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711-£447
Mercedes C(2005)	73%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511-£647
Honda CR-V(2005)	70%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511-£647
Audi A4(2005)	75%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511-£647

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2003 Peugeot 406

Is the 2003 Peugeot 406 reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 68% of MOT tests on 2003 Peugeot 406s ended in a pass, from 1,181 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Peugeot 406 cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,158 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 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 Peugeot 406?

68% of 1,181 MOT tests on the 2003 Peugeot 406 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 323rd of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom 25%).

Which year Peugeot 406 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 Peugeot 406 has the highest MOT pass rate at 77% and the 2004 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Peugeot 406?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Peugeot 406 is 150,072 miles, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.