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SsangYong Rexton (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 35 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,641

£220/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2874cc Diesel

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2,641/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Diesel2874cc23 years old35 tests81k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2874cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£2,641
Per month£220/mo
Per week£51/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

77% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

77% of MOT tests on SsangYong Rextons from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 35 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 80,873 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models144th of 429(top half)
Rank among SsangYong models56th of 87(bottom half)
vs average of all models-5%(82% avg)
vs 2003 models average+5%(72% avg)
vs SsangYong average-3%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

80,873

Average miles

vs

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 SsangYong Rexton had 80,873 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 93%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 61%. The 2003 scores 77%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

SsangYong Rexton by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202193%54326,429 mi
202089%39234,347 mi
201989%55742,775 mi
201884%68853,770 mi
201779%91957,741 mi
201674%75666,977 mi
201573%77976,955 mi
201469%73783,068 mi
201272%14489,955 mi
201179%5297,981 mi
201069%52120,876 mi
200967%255102,896 mi
200880%121118,721 mi
200762%116103,544 mi
200661%132108,139 mi
200572%228101,883 mi
200464%12194,061 mi
200377%3580,873 mi

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About the 2003 SsangYong Rexton

The 2003 SsangYong Rexton is a large car. Our records list a 2874cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 35 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 80,873 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, SsangYong Rexton owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 SsangYong Rexton Fuel Costs

The 2874cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 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 SsangYong Rexton?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,641 (£220/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

SsangYong Rexton Reliability Trend

Newer SsangYong Rextons 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 SsangYong Rexton

At 23 years old, the SsangYong Rexton 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 93%. Note: with only 35 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 81k 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 SsangYong Rexton stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
SsangYong Rexton(2003)77%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,641
BMW 3 Series(2005)78%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,641same
Land Rover Discovery(2005)78%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,641same
Audi A4(2004)74%£1,676£410Grp 25-38£2,641same
Ford Mondeo(2005)69%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,841+£200

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 SsangYong Rexton

Is the 2003 SsangYong Rexton reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 2003 SsangYong Rextons ended in a pass, from 35 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 SsangYong Rexton cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,641 a year (£220 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 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 SsangYong Rexton?

77% of 35 MOT tests on the 2003 SsangYong Rexton ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 144th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top half).

Which year SsangYong Rexton has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 SsangYong Rexton has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2006 the lowest at 61%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 SsangYong Rexton?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 SsangYong Rexton is 80,873 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.

Related SsangYong Models

Explore other SsangYong cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

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