CarCostCheck

Porsche Cayenne (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,257 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,153

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4511cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol4511cc23 years old1,257 tests122k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4511cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£3,153
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

84% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Porsche brand average of 92%.

84% of MOT tests on Porsche Cayennes from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 1,257 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 121,522 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models57th of 429(top 14%)
Rank among Porsche models241st of 272(bottom 12%)
vs average of all models+2%(82% avg)
vs 2003 models average+12%(72% avg)
vs Porsche average-8%(92% avg)

Mileage Analysis

121,522

Average miles

vs

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Porsche Cayenne had 121,522 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 83%. The 2003 scores 84%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Porsche Cayenne by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202296%8324,282 mi
202195%4,11527,090 mi
202096%7,13634,631 mi
201995%9,06340,685 mi
201893%5,31051,571 mi
201792%4,85665,047 mi
201692%7,33371,856 mi
201593%6,25879,263 mi
201491%5,62686,652 mi
201391%6,26196,482 mi
201289%5,233104,317 mi
201190%3,069107,653 mi
201089%2,126113,736 mi
200987%1,955119,837 mi
200886%1,384109,907 mi
200783%1,790115,755 mi
200686%2,242118,992 mi
200584%2,951124,592 mi
200484%2,598125,338 mi
200384%1,257121,522 mi

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About the 2003 Porsche Cayenne

The 2003 Porsche Cayenne is a luxury car. Our records list a 4511cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,257 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 14% of all 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 121,522 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Porsche Cayenne owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 Porsche Cayenne Fuel Costs

The 4511cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 Porsche Cayenne?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Porsche Cayenne Reliability Trend

Newer Porsche Cayennes pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Porsche Cayenne

At 23 years old, the Porsche Cayenne 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.

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 122k 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.

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 Porsche Cayenne stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Porsche Cayenne(2003)84%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,153
BMW X5(2005)77%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,303+£150
Mercedes CLK(2004)76%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,303+£150
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2005)82%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,153same
Mercedes SL(2003)86%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,153same

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 Porsche Cayenne

Is the 2003 Porsche Cayenne reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 2003 Porsche Cayennes ended in a pass, from 1,257 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Porsche Cayenne cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Porsche Cayenne?

84% of 1,257 MOT tests on the 2003 Porsche Cayenne ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 57th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top 14%).

Which year Porsche Cayenne has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Porsche Cayenne has the highest MOT pass rate at 96% and the 2007 the lowest at 83%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Porsche Cayenne?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Porsche Cayenne is 121,522 miles, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Related Porsche Models

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Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Porsche Cayenne.

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