Suzuki Carry (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,101 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,153

£179/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£200

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

1298cc Petrol

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2,153/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Petrol1298cc23 years old1,101 tests92k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1298cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,153

Per month£179/mo

Per week£41/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

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Suzuki brand average of 82%.

71% of MOT tests on Suzuki Carrys from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 1,101 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 91,685 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models261st of 429(bottom half)

Rank among Suzuki models243rd of 305(bottom 21%)

vs average of all models-11%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average-1%(72% avg)

vs Suzuki average-11%(82% avg)

Mileage Analysis

91,685

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Suzuki Carry had 91,685 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 2013 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 62%. The 2003 scores 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Suzuki Carry by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2014	97%	78	16,290 mi
2013	96%	112	29,819 mi
2012	94%	109	32,952 mi
2010	91%	67	39,869 mi
2009	93%	44	34,636 mi
2008	91%	34	31,539 mi
2007	89%	35	38,918 mi
2006	76%	131	71,010 mi
2005	73%	1,606	90,611 mi
2004	68%	1,793	89,379 mi
2003	71%	1,101	91,685 mi
2002	72%	729	86,645 mi
2001	71%	447	87,745 mi
2000	71%	316	90,400 mi
1999	62%	162	83,357 mi

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About the 2003 Suzuki Carry

The 2003 Suzuki Carry is a van. Our records list a 1298cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,101 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 91,685 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Suzuki Carry owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 Suzuki Carry Fuel Costs

The 1298cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 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 Suzuki Carry?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,153 (£179/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 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.

Suzuki Carry Reliability Trend

Newer Suzuki Carrys pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 12 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Suzuki Carry

At 23 years old, the Suzuki Carry 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 2013 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.

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.

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 92k 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.

Questions about the 2003 Suzuki Carry

Is the 2003 Suzuki Carry reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MOT tests on 2003 Suzuki Carrys ended in a pass, from 1,101 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Suzuki Carry cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,153 a year (£179 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 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 Suzuki Carry?

71% of 1,101 MOT tests on the 2003 Suzuki Carry ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 261st of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom half).

Which year Suzuki Carry has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2013 Suzuki Carry has the highest MOT pass rate at 96% and the 1999 the lowest at 62%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Suzuki Carry?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Suzuki Carry is 91,685 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.