SEAT Ibiza (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,827 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,100

£175/month

MOT Pass Rate

68%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 5-15

1198cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

68% pass rate, £2,100/year to run. 14 points below average.

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Petrol1198cc23 years old1,827 tests100k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1198cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,100

Per month£175/mo

Per week£40/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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 SEAT brand average of 85%.

68% of MOT tests on SEAT Ibizas from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 1,827 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 100,261 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models322nd of 429(bottom half)

Rank among SEAT models286th of 310(bottom 9%)

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

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

vs SEAT average-17%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

100,261

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 SEAT Ibiza had 100,261 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 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2003 scores 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

SEAT Ibiza by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	96%	418	22,275 mi
2021	92%	17,771	24,880 mi
2020	91%	16,249	31,941 mi
2019	91%	20,675	38,094 mi
2018	84%	24,463	46,666 mi
2017	81%	29,662	52,963 mi
2016	79%	34,134	61,114 mi
2015	79%	33,352	67,791 mi
2014	77%	37,085	75,703 mi
2013	76%	31,617	84,409 mi
2012	76%	26,414	89,359 mi
2011	74%	27,444	95,507 mi
2010	73%	21,211	100,060 mi
2009	72%	18,053	101,535 mi
2008	70%	11,260	105,184 mi
2007	69%	8,130	103,795 mi
2006	70%	5,515	104,697 mi
2005	69%	2,839	101,688 mi
2004	70%	2,329	97,439 mi
2003	68%	1,827	100,261 mi
2002	70%	577	95,782 mi
2001	70%	284	91,763 mi
2000	68%	124	83,593 mi
1999	72%	321	90,110 mi
1998	72%	197	88,430 mi
1997	72%	127	77,860 mi
1996	83%	59	67,023 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

+3%

Ford Focus

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

+3%

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

+3%

Toyota Yaris

2005 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,153/year

73%

+5%

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About the 2003 SEAT Ibiza

The 2003 SEAT Ibiza is a city car. Our records list a 1198cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,827 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 100,261 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, SEAT Ibiza owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 SEAT Ibiza Fuel Costs

The modest 1198cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,175 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2003 SEAT Ibiza?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,100 (£175/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £170 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.

SEAT Ibiza Reliability Trend

Newer SEAT Ibizas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 SEAT Ibiza

At 23 years old, the SEAT Ibiza 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 92%.

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.

Coil Pack Failure

Medium risk

Smaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.

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 100k 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.

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 SEAT Ibiza 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
SEAT Ibiza(2003)	68%	£1,175	£170	Grp 5-15	£2,100
MINI(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£128
Ford Focus(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£128
Ford Fiesta(2003)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£53
Toyota Yaris(2005)	73%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£53

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 SEAT Ibiza

Is the 2003 SEAT Ibiza reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 68% of MOT tests on 2003 SEAT Ibizas ended in a pass, from 1,827 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 SEAT Ibiza cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,100 a year (£175 a month): £1,175 fuel, £170 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 SEAT Ibiza?

68% of 1,827 MOT tests on the 2003 SEAT Ibiza ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 322nd of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom half).

Which year SEAT Ibiza has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 SEAT Ibiza has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2000 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 SEAT Ibiza?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 SEAT Ibiza is 100,261 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.