SUZUKI GRAND VITARA (2003)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,449 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,957
£163/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1590cc Petrol
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £1957/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1590cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUZUKI brand average of 82%.
At 23 years old, 70% of SUZUKI GRAND VITARAs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,449 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 103,895 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
103,895
Average miles
170,200
Expected for age
The average 2003 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA has 103,895 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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?
The most reliable year is the 2014 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 70%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
SUZUKI GRAND VITARA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 88% | 89 | 56,317 mi | |
| 2014 | 91% | 836 | 59,160 mi | |
| 2013 | 85% | 1,866 | 67,097 mi | |
| 2012 | 83% | 1,883 | 77,126 mi | |
| 2011 | 79% | 2,520 | 83,839 mi | |
| 2010 | 78% | 3,089 | 86,327 mi | |
| 2009 | 77% | 3,356 | 91,512 mi | |
| 2008 | 75% | 3,876 | 96,149 mi | |
| 2007 | 74% | 4,278 | 97,039 mi | |
| 2006 | 70% | 3,554 | 99,563 mi | |
| 2005 | 71% | 3,969 | 99,232 mi | |
| 2004 | 71% | 3,670 | 103,262 mi | |
| 2003 | 70% | 2,449 | 103,895 mi | |
| 2002 | 71% | 1,641 | 102,607 mi | |
| 2001 | 71% | 870 | 100,359 mi | |
| 2000 | 71% | 376 | 97,031 mi | |
| 1999 | 71% | 373 | 106,094 mi | |
| 1998 | 74% | 177 | 114,108 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2003 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA
The 2003 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA is a small family car with a 1590cc petrol engine. 2,449 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 103,895 miles at 23 years old, SUZUKI GRAND VITARA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA Fuel Costs
The 1590cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SUZUKI GRAND VITARA Reliability Trend
Newer SUZUKI GRAND VITARAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA
At 23 years old, the SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2003 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 104k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUZUKI GRAND VITARA(2003) | 70% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1957 |
| MINI MINI(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£130 |
| FORD FOCUS(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£130 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£235 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2005) | 73% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£235 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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