Renault Trafic (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 3,079 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,427

£202/month

MOT Pass Rate

68%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

1870cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

68% pass rate, £2,427/year to run. 14 points below average.

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Diesel1870cc23 years old3,079 tests153k 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

68% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Renault brand average of 80%.

68% of MOT tests on Renault Trafics from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 3,079 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 152,990 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models320th of 429(bottom half)

Rank among Renault models531st of 615(bottom 14%)

vs average of all models-14%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average-4%(72% avg)

vs Renault average-12%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

152,990

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Renault Trafic had 152,990 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 2002 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 1991 model has the lowest at 59%. The 2003 scores 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Renault Trafic by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	95%	41	45,342 mi
2020	82%	201	70,208 mi
2019	81%	12,056	70,463 mi
2018	79%	13,004	83,333 mi
2017	77%	17,196	93,614 mi
2016	75%	23,776	101,544 mi
2015	74%	21,250	109,947 mi
2014	72%	13,474	120,058 mi
2013	71%	8,542	133,819 mi
2012	70%	9,250	140,116 mi
2011	68%	12,762	142,106 mi
2010	69%	11,152	150,690 mi
2009	69%	6,575	150,068 mi
2008	68%	9,061	151,542 mi
2007	69%	9,074	154,963 mi
2006	68%	8,146	156,522 mi
2005	68%	6,057	156,799 mi
2004	67%	4,893	156,061 mi
2003	68%	3,079	152,990 mi
2002	94%	5,279	123,882 mi
2001	72%	107	150,406 mi
1999	56%	45	86,501 mi
1998	72%	129	72,790 mi
1997	68%	383	76,233 mi
1996	71%	559	76,673 mi
1995	70%	512	83,515 mi
1994	65%	533	80,976 mi
1993	64%	592	79,986 mi
1992	63%	694	88,962 mi
1991	59%	499	85,068 mi
1990	64%	504	79,676 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Vauxhall Vivaro

2005 · 1870cc Diesel

£2,427/year

68%

same

Ford Transit Connect

2005 · 1753cc Diesel

£2,427/year

66%

-2%

Check a Specific Renault Trafic

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About the 2003 Renault Trafic

The 2003 Renault Trafic is a van. Our records list a 1870cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 3,079 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 152,990 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Renault Trafic owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 Renault Trafic 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 Trafic?

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 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Renault Trafic Reliability Trend

Newer Renault Trafics pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Renault Trafic

At 23 years old, the Renault Trafic 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 2002 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.

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 153k 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 68% 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 Trafic 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 Trafic(2003)	68%	£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 Trafic

Is the 2003 Renault Trafic reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 68% of MOT tests on 2003 Renault Trafics ended in a pass, from 3,079 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Renault Trafic 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 Trafic?

68% of 3,079 MOT tests on the 2003 Renault Trafic ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 320th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom half).

Which year Renault Trafic has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2002 Renault Trafic has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 1991 the lowest at 59%. 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 Trafic?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Renault Trafic is 152,990 miles, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.