Renault Megane (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,476 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1900cc Diesel

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Diesel1900cc23 years old1,476 tests98k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1900cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/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

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Renault brand average of 80%.

71% of MOT tests on Renault Meganes from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 1,476 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 97,801 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models257th of 429(bottom half)

Rank among Renault models440th of 615(bottom half)

vs average of all models-11%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average-1%(72% avg)

vs Renault average-9%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

97,801

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Renault Megane had 97,801 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 88%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2003 scores 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2005 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

+1%

Volkswagen Polo

2005 · 1400cc Diesel

£2,144/year

68%

-3%

Vauxhall Astra

2005 · 1598cc Diesel

£2,144/year

69%

-2%

Honda Civic

2005 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

73%

+2%

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About the 2003 Renault Megane

The 2003 Renault Megane is a family car. Our records list a 1900cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,476 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 97,801 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,397 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 Megane?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 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 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 Renault Megane

At 23 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%.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 98k 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.

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 Megane 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 Megane(2003)	71%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
Volkswagen Golf(2005)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Volkswagen Polo(2005)	68%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£2,144-£83
Vauxhall Astra(2005)	69%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£2,144-£83
Honda Civic(2005)	73%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£414

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 Megane

Is the 2003 Renault Megane reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MOT tests on 2003 Renault Meganes ended in a pass, from 1,476 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Renault Megane cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Renault Megane?

71% of 1,476 MOT tests on the 2003 Renault Megane ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 257th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom half).

Which year Renault Megane has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Renault Megane has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 2004 the lowest at 66%. 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 Megane?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Renault Megane is 97,801 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.