RENAULT MEGANE (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,476 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
1,476
Avg Mileage
97,801 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,727
Is the 2003 RENAULT MEGANE reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the RENAULT brand average of 80%.
At 21 years old, 71% of RENAULT MEGANEs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,476 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 97,801 miles.
How does the 2003 RENAULT MEGANE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 RENAULT MEGANE has 97,801 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a RENAULT MEGANE?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2003 sits between the two at 71%.
How much does a 2003 RENAULT MEGANE 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.
RENAULT MEGANE by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 86% | 36 | 48,492 mi |
| 2021 | 87% | 1,286 | 32,847 mi |
| 2020 | 88% | 2,526 | 39,612 mi |
| 2019 | 87% | 4,883 | 42,735 mi |
| 2018 | 86% | 3,613 | 50,742 mi |
| 2017 | 83% | 8,849 | 61,637 mi |
| 2016 | 80% | 8,941 | 68,131 mi |
| 2015 | 76% | 12,406 | 81,732 mi |
| 2014 | 71% | 13,728 | 89,656 mi |
| 2013 | 71% | 14,134 | 94,541 mi |
| 2012 | 71% | 17,649 | 100,114 mi |
| 2011 | 70% | 25,760 | 102,094 mi |
| 2010 | 69% | 31,167 | 106,119 mi |
| 2009 | 71% | 19,161 | 108,465 mi |
| 2008 | 68% | 11,102 | 102,196 mi |
| 2007 | 68% | 12,029 | 99,693 mi |
| 2006 | 67% | 6,822 | 100,922 mi |
| 2005 | 67% | 4,212 | 97,221 mi |
| 2004 | 66% | 2,138 | 100,225 mi |
| 2003 | 71% | 1,476 | 97,801 mi |
| 2002 | 71% | 2,646 | 94,998 mi |
| 2001 | 73% | 1,731 | 95,603 mi |
| 2000 | 71% | 726 | 92,251 mi |
| 1999 | 74% | 390 | 80,794 mi |
| 1998 | 73% | 246 | 78,962 mi |
| 1997 | 76% | 153 | 82,236 mi |
| 1996 | 85% | 34 | 58,237 mi |
Checking a specific RENAULT MEGANE?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 RENAULT MEGANE
The 2003 RENAULT MEGANE is a family car with a 1900cc diesel engine. 1,476 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 97,801 miles at 21 years old, RENAULT MEGANE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 RENAULT MEGANE Fuel Costs
The 1900cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 MEGANE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,727 (£144/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
RENAULT MEGANE Reliability Trend
Newer RENAULT MEGANEs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 RENAULT MEGANE
At 21 years old, the RENAULT MEGANE 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 88%.
Alternatives to the 2003 RENAULT MEGANE
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2005) 72% pass rate (+1%) from 41,401 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2005) 68% pass rate (-3%) from 30,507 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2005) 69% pass rate (-2%) from 29,377 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (2005) 73% pass rate (+2%) from 24,685 tests