TOYOTA CELICA (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 2,488 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
2,488
Avg Mileage
118,340 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 2003 TOYOTA CELICA reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the TOYOTA brand average of 84%.
At 21 years old, 72% of TOYOTA CELICAs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 2,488 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 118,340 miles.
How does the 2003 TOYOTA CELICA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 TOYOTA CELICA has 118,340 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a TOYOTA CELICA?
The most reliable year is the 2008 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2003 sits between the two at 72%.
How much does a 2003 TOYOTA CELICA cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
TOYOTA CELICA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 88% | 57 | 119,491 mi |
| 2007 | 73% | 137 | 131,245 mi |
| 2006 | 75% | 1,775 | 105,306 mi |
| 2005 | 73% | 2,404 | 115,012 mi |
| 2004 | 72% | 2,740 | 116,055 mi |
| 2003 | 72% | 2,488 | 118,340 mi |
| 2002 | 74% | 1,861 | 118,564 mi |
| 2001 | 74% | 1,589 | 119,894 mi |
| 2000 | 71% | 916 | 117,266 mi |
| 1999 | 72% | 894 | 121,784 mi |
| 1998 | 71% | 1,415 | 124,348 mi |
| 1997 | 68% | 1,002 | 133,345 mi |
| 1996 | 73% | 902 | 127,103 mi |
| 1995 | 77% | 370 | 123,514 mi |
| 1994 | 73% | 360 | 123,787 mi |
| 1993 | 74% | 148 | 126,173 mi |
| 1992 | 72% | 169 | 116,058 mi |
| 1991 | 70% | 182 | 122,842 mi |
| 1990 | 75% | 187 | 118,452 mi |
Checking a specific TOYOTA CELICA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 TOYOTA CELICA
The 2003 TOYOTA CELICA is a family car with a 1794cc petrol engine. 2,488 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, 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 118,340 miles at 21 years old, TOYOTA CELICA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 TOYOTA CELICA Fuel Costs
The 1794cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 TOYOTA CELICA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
TOYOTA CELICA Reliability Trend
The TOYOTA CELICA has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 TOYOTA CELICA
At 21 years old, the TOYOTA CELICA 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 2008 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.
Alternatives to the 2003 TOYOTA CELICA
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 41,794 tests
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 29,898 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2005) 73% pass rate (+1%) from 29,754 tests