RENAULT MEGANE (2003)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,476 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,857
£155/month
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1900cc Diesel
Check Carefully
71% pass rate, £1857/year to run. 11 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1900cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
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 23 years old, 71% of RENAULT MEGANEs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,476 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 97,801 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
97,801
Average miles
170,200
Expected for age
The average 2003 RENAULT MEGANE has 97,801 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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?
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%.
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
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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 2026, 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 23 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 £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 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 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
Based on the 2003 RENAULT MEGANE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskWith 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RENAULT MEGANE(2003) | 71% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £1857 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2005) | 72% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£130 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2005) | 68% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1690-£167 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2005) | 69% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1795-£62 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2005) | 73% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050+£193 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Renault Models
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