Renault Master (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 818 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,427

£202/month

MOT Pass Rate

65%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

1870cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

65% pass rate, £2,427/year to run. 17 points below average.

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Diesel1870cc23 years old818 tests135k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1870cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,427

Per month£202/mo

Per week£47/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

65% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Renault brand average of 80%.

65% of MOT tests on Renault Masters from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 818 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 135,247 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models381st of 429(bottom 12%)

Rank among Renault models581st of 615(bottom 6%)

vs average of all models-17%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average-7%(72% avg)

vs Renault average-15%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

135,247

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Renault Master had 135,247 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 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2003 scores 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Renault Master by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	89%	152	28,548 mi
2020	83%	318	71,583 mi
2019	85%	1,198	79,215 mi
2018	85%	1,210	95,829 mi
2017	85%	1,218	85,063 mi
2016	84%	1,418	118,677 mi
2015	80%	1,500	108,076 mi
2014	82%	1,113	98,583 mi
2013	81%	1,211	113,599 mi
2012	78%	1,326	100,736 mi
2011	74%	1,379	123,849 mi
2010	72%	1,512	121,915 mi
2009	72%	1,514	122,599 mi
2008	73%	2,245	120,176 mi
2007	75%	2,771	109,564 mi
2006	71%	2,550	110,586 mi
2005	71%	1,599	122,732 mi
2004	69%	1,245	140,466 mi
2003	65%	818	135,247 mi
2002	68%	806	127,816 mi
2001	64%	652	129,800 mi
2000	65%	487	130,392 mi
1999	65%	386	130,912 mi
1998	67%	255	130,342 mi
1996	65%	43	100,360 mi
1995	65%	68	106,550 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Vauxhall Vivaro

2005 · 1870cc Diesel

£2,427/year

68%

+3%

Ford Transit Connect

2005 · 1753cc Diesel

£2,427/year

66%

+1%

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About the 2003 Renault Master

The 2003 Renault Master is a van. Our records list a 1870cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 818 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 12% of 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 135,247 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Renault Master owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 Renault Master Fuel Costs

The 1870cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2003 Renault Master?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Renault Master Reliability Trend

Newer Renault Masters pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 13 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Renault Master

At 23 years old, the Renault Master 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 89%.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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 135k 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 65% 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 Renault Master 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
Renault Master(2003)	65%	£1,397	£275	n/a	£2,427
Vauxhall Vivaro(2005)	68%	£1,397	£275	n/a	£2,427same
Ford Transit Connect(2005)	66%	£1,397	£275	n/a	£2,427same

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 Renault Master

Is the 2003 Renault Master reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 65% of MOT tests on 2003 Renault Masters ended in a pass, from 818 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Renault Master cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,427 a year (£202 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 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 Renault Master?

65% of 818 MOT tests on the 2003 Renault Master ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 381st of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom 12%).

Which year Renault Master has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Renault Master has the highest MOT pass rate at 89% and the 2001 the lowest at 64%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Renault Master?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Renault Master is 135,247 miles, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.