CarCostCheck

Toyota Hi Lux (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 34 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,641

£220/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2446cc Diesel

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £2,641/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel2446cc23 years old34 tests152k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2446cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£2,641
Per month£220/mo
Per week£51/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

79% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

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

79% of MOT tests on Toyota Hi Luxs from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 34 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 151,565 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models111th of 429(top half)
Rank among Toyota models637th of 970(bottom half)
vs average of all models-3%(82% avg)
vs 2003 models average+7%(72% avg)
vs Toyota average-5%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

151,565

Average miles

vs

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Toyota Hi Lux had 151,565 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Toyota Hi Lux by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200569%42170,328 mi
200379%34151,565 mi

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About the 2003 Toyota Hi Lux

The 2003 Toyota Hi Lux is a large car. Our records list a 2446cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 34 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model 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 151,565 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Hi Lux owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 Toyota Hi Lux Fuel Costs

The 2446cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 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 Hi Lux?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,641 (£220/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 2003 Toyota Hi Lux

At 23 years old, the Toyota Hi Lux 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. Note: with only 34 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 152k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn 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 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 Hi Lux stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Toyota Hi Lux(2003)79%£1,676£410Grp 25-38£2,641
BMW 3 Series(2005)78%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,641same
Honda Civic(2005)73%£1,676£410Grp 25-38£2,641same
Land Rover Discovery(2005)78%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,641same
Audi A4(2004)74%£1,676£410Grp 25-38£2,641same

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 Hi Lux

Is the 2003 Toyota Hi Lux reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MOT tests on 2003 Toyota Hi Luxs ended in a pass, from 34 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Toyota Hi Lux cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,641 a year (£220 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 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 Hi Lux?

79% of 34 MOT tests on the 2003 Toyota Hi Lux ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 111th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top half).

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Toyota Hi Lux?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Toyota Hi Lux is 151,565 miles, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Toyota Hi Lux.

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