Skoda Fabia (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 5,389 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,144

£179/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1422cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £2,144/year to run. 13 points below average.

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Diesel1422cc23 years old5,389 tests106k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1422cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,144

Per month£179/mo

Per week£41/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

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Skoda brand average of 88%.

69% of MOT tests on Skoda Fabias from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 5,389 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 105,500 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models298th of 429(bottom half)

Rank among Skoda models319th of 329(bottom 4%)

vs average of all models-13%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average-3%(72% avg)

vs Skoda average-19%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

105,500

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Skoda Fabia had 105,500 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 91%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 69%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Skoda Fabia by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	94%	34	18,192 mi
2021	91%	12,956	24,133 mi
2020	90%	16,268	27,757 mi
2019	90%	22,198	33,188 mi
2018	86%	26,403	41,076 mi
2017	84%	28,967	49,380 mi
2016	83%	31,150	56,195 mi
2015	83%	28,165	60,895 mi
2014	82%	23,842	69,642 mi
2013	81%	31,000	76,734 mi
2012	79%	23,970	86,178 mi
2011	78%	21,120	89,856 mi
2010	77%	18,993	91,833 mi
2009	73%	24,250	91,725 mi
2008	71%	20,115	103,040 mi
2007	73%	17,404	106,991 mi
2006	72%	15,282	111,624 mi
2005	72%	12,215	114,942 mi
2004	71%	8,612	115,795 mi
2003	69%	5,389	105,500 mi
2002	70%	3,624	104,739 mi
2001	71%	2,604	107,277 mi
2000	70%	619	94,943 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2005 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

70%

+1%

Volkswagen Golf

2005 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

+3%

Volkswagen Polo

2005 · 1400cc Diesel

£2,144/year

68%

-1%

Vauxhall Astra

2005 · 1598cc Diesel

£2,144/year

69%

same

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About the 2003 Skoda Fabia

The 2003 Skoda Fabia is a small family car. Our records list a 1422cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 5,389 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 105,500 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Skoda Fabia owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 Skoda Fabia Fuel Costs

The 1422cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 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 Skoda Fabia?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,144 (£179/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Skoda Fabia Reliability Trend

Newer Skoda Fabias pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 13 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Skoda Fabia

At 23 years old, the Skoda Fabia 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. With 5,389 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

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 106k 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 69% 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 Skoda Fabia 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
Skoda Fabia(2003)	69%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£2,144
Ford Fiesta(2005)	70%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944-£200
Volkswagen Golf(2005)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£83
Volkswagen Polo(2005)	68%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£2,144same
Vauxhall Astra(2005)	69%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£2,144same

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 Skoda Fabia

Is the 2003 Skoda Fabia reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 2003 Skoda Fabias ended in a pass, from 5,389 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Skoda Fabia cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,144 a year (£179 a month): £1,219 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 Skoda Fabia?

69% of 5,389 MOT tests on the 2003 Skoda Fabia ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 298th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom half).

Which year Skoda Fabia has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Skoda Fabia has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 2003 the lowest at 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Skoda Fabia?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Skoda Fabia is 105,500 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.