TOYOTA ESTIMA (2003)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 232 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,530
£128/month
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Average
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
0cc Petrol
Check Carefully
74% pass rate, £1530/year to run. 8 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 0cc
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 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the TOYOTA brand average of 84%.
At 23 years old, 74% of TOYOTA ESTIMAs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 232 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 140,549 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
140,549
Average miles
170,200
Expected for age
The average 2003 TOYOTA ESTIMA has 140,549 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2024 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2003 sits between the two at 74%.
TOYOTA ESTIMA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 100% | 58 | 61,359 mi | |
| 2023 | 93% | 54 | 70,462 mi | |
| 2022 | 84% | 75 | 81,193 mi | |
| 2021 | 81% | 917 | 102,879 mi | |
| 2020 | 80% | 1,189 | 110,635 mi | |
| 2019 | 88% | 1,599 | 108,726 mi | |
| 2018 | 89% | 1,859 | 89,214 mi | |
| 2017 | 91% | 2,476 | 79,255 mi | |
| 2016 | 88% | 2,387 | 94,174 mi | |
| 2015 | 87% | 2,010 | 93,735 mi | |
| 2014 | 90% | 3,038 | 90,170 mi | |
| 2013 | 91% | 4,223 | 81,516 mi | |
| 2012 | 91% | 4,455 | 81,616 mi | |
| 2011 | 87% | 2,879 | 85,511 mi | |
| 2010 | 87% | 3,823 | 90,321 mi | |
| 2009 | 87% | 3,463 | 89,757 mi | |
| 2008 | 86% | 2,498 | 98,717 mi | |
| 2007 | 83% | 1,815 | 102,331 mi | |
| 2006 | 83% | 1,658 | 103,888 mi | |
| 2005 | 73% | 289 | 99,967 mi | |
| 2004 | 77% | 322 | 118,674 mi | |
| 2003 | 74% | 232 | 140,549 mi | |
| 2002 | 68% | 117 | 137,804 mi | |
| 2001 | 60% | 48 | 157,482 mi | |
| 2000 | 67% | 33 | 141,989 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2003 TOYOTA ESTIMA
The 2003 TOYOTA ESTIMA is a city car with a 0cc petrol engine. 232 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 140,549 miles at 23 years old, TOYOTA ESTIMA owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2003 TOYOTA ESTIMA Fuel Costs
The modest 0cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 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 ESTIMA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,530 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 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.
TOYOTA ESTIMA Reliability Trend
Newer TOYOTA ESTIMAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 TOYOTA ESTIMA
At 23 years old, the TOYOTA ESTIMA 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 2024 model has the highest pass rate at 100%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2003 TOYOTA ESTIMA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
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 141k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
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 TOYOTA ESTIMA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA ESTIMA(2003) | 74% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1530 |
| JAGUAR XJ(2001) | 79% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£10 |
| FORD F150(2002) | 85% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£140 |
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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