Toyota Avensis (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 3,437 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1995cc Diesel

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Diesel1995cc23 years old3,437 tests116k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Toyota brand average of 84%.

75% of MOT tests on Toyota Avensiss from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 3,437 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 116,046 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models159th of 429(top half)

Rank among Toyota models751st of 970(bottom 23%)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

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

vs Toyota average-9%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

116,046

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Toyota Avensis had 116,046 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 2017 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2003 scores 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Toyota Avensis by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	88%	1,798	95,222 mi
2017	88%	4,078	86,161 mi
2016	87%	5,836	97,189 mi
2015	85%	5,426	117,294 mi
2014	83%	5,229	133,017 mi
2013	82%	5,353	135,382 mi
2012	81%	8,379	130,725 mi
2011	79%	7,416	127,805 mi
2010	79%	9,581	130,166 mi
2009	77%	9,074	129,424 mi
2008	75%	9,083	128,873 mi
2007	75%	9,118	134,277 mi
2006	73%	8,473	130,077 mi
2005	74%	6,330	124,984 mi
2004	76%	4,759	117,887 mi
2003	75%	3,437	116,046 mi
2002	71%	1,627	112,717 mi
2001	76%	1,121	111,507 mi
2000	73%	744	112,081 mi
1999	70%	1,232	122,912 mi
1998	73%	918	122,408 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2005 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

-3%

Vauxhall Astra

2005 · 1598cc Diesel

£2,144/year

69%

-6%

Honda Civic

2005 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

73%

-2%

Audi A3

2005 · 1595cc Diesel

£1,944/year

72%

-3%

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About the 2003 Toyota Avensis

The 2003 Toyota Avensis is a family car. Our records list a 1995cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 3,437 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 beats that benchmark.

With an average of 116,046 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Avensis owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 Toyota Avensis Fuel Costs

The 1995cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 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 Toyota Avensis?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Toyota Avensis Reliability Trend

Newer Toyota Avensiss pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Toyota Avensis

At 23 years old, the Toyota Avensis 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 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.

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 116k 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 Toyota Avensis 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
Toyota Avensis(2003)	75%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
Volkswagen Golf(2005)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Vauxhall Astra(2005)	69%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£2,144-£83
Honda Civic(2005)	73%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£414
Audi A3(2005)	72%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944-£283

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 Toyota Avensis

Is the 2003 Toyota Avensis reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 2003 Toyota Avensiss ended in a pass, from 3,437 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Toyota Avensis cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 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 Toyota Avensis?

75% of 3,437 MOT tests on the 2003 Toyota Avensis ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 159th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top half).

Which year Toyota Avensis has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 Toyota Avensis has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 1999 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Toyota Avensis?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Toyota Avensis is 116,046 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.