How much does a 2003 SUZUKI JIMNY cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), including £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 SUZUKI JIMNY?

The 2003 SUZUKI JIMNY has a 74% MOT pass rate based on 3,098 tests in 2026. This ranks 190 out of 445 cars from 2003.

Which year SUZUKI JIMNY is most reliable?

The 2019 SUZUKI JIMNY has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%. The least reliable year is 1999 at 67%.

SUZUKI JIMNY (2003)

Q: Is the 2003 SUZUKI JIMNY reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of SUZUKI JIMNYs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 3,098 tests. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2003 SUZUKI JIMNY?

The average mileage for a 2003 SUZUKI JIMNY is 91,083 miles, 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.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,098 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,887

£157/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£195

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 8-20

1298cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £1887/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Petrol1298cc23 years old3,098 tests91k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1298cc)

~42 mpg

£1,137

Road Tax

Based on 1298cc

£195

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,887

Per month£157/mo

Per week£36/wk

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

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUZUKI brand average of 82%.

At 23 years old, 74% of SUZUKI JIMNYs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,098 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 91,083 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 cars190th of 445(top 43%)

Rank among SUZUKI models208th of 310(top 67%)

vs national average-8%(82% avg)

vs 2003 cars average+2%(72% avg)

vs SUZUKI average-8%(82% avg)

Mileage Analysis

91,083

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2003 SUZUKI JIMNY has 91,083 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 2019 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2003 sits between the two at 74%.

SUZUKI JIMNY by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2023	93%	61	2,882 mi
2021	92%	37	22,760 mi
2020	95%	1,447	21,916 mi
2019	95%	2,046	27,369 mi
2018	86%	832	29,945 mi
2017	87%	1,587	31,687 mi
2016	87%	1,627	38,681 mi
2015	83%	1,661	44,085 mi
2014	84%	1,396	47,704 mi
2013	83%	1,621	54,678 mi
2012	83%	1,695	58,922 mi
2011	79%	1,339	62,289 mi
2010	79%	1,249	67,375 mi
2009	80%	1,485	71,005 mi
2008	76%	2,167	76,833 mi
2007	75%	3,155	81,208 mi
2006	73%	3,044	83,462 mi
2005	73%	3,185	84,867 mi
2004	70%	3,683	86,932 mi
2003	74%	3,098	91,083 mi
2002	73%	2,396	93,267 mi
2001	72%	1,524	88,613 mi
2000	71%	1,211	87,550 mi
1999	67%	984	89,081 mi
1998	72%	249	86,950 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

-3%

FORD FOCUS

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

-3%

FORD FIESTA

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£1,722/year

71%

-3%

TOYOTA YARIS

2005 · 1299cc Petrol

£1,722/year

73%

-1%

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About the 2003 SUZUKI JIMNY

The 2003 SUZUKI JIMNY is a small family car with a 1298cc petrol engine. 3,098 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 beats that benchmark.

With an average of 91,083 miles at 23 years old, SUZUKI JIMNY owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 SUZUKI JIMNY 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 £1,137 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 JIMNY?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

SUZUKI JIMNY Reliability Trend

Newer SUZUKI JIMNYs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2003 SUZUKI JIMNY

At 23 years old, the SUZUKI JIMNY 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2003 SUZUKI JIMNY's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 91k 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 SUZUKI JIMNY stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
SUZUKI JIMNY(2003)	74%	£1137	£195	Grp 8-20	£1887
MINI MINI(2005)	71%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£60
FORD FOCUS(2005)	71%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£60
FORD FIESTA(2003)	71%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£165
TOYOTA YARIS(2005)	73%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£165

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.