Toyota Hiace (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,124 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,641

£220/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

2494cc Diesel

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £2,641/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Diesel2494cc23 years old1,124 tests155k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2494cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£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

73% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Toyota brand average of 84%.

73% of MOT tests on Toyota Hiaces from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 1,124 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 154,865 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models208th of 429(top half)

Rank among Toyota models831st of 970(bottom 15%)

vs average of all models-9%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+1%(72% avg)

vs Toyota average-11%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

154,865

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Toyota Hiace had 154,865 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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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2003 scores 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Toyota Hiace by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2019	73%	30	85,136 mi
2018	88%	43	95,985 mi
2017	90%	83	105,026 mi
2016	79%	84	103,884 mi
2015	79%	120	109,408 mi
2014	84%	89	98,217 mi
2013	83%	121	100,129 mi
2012	85%	147	107,823 mi
2011	81%	270	137,629 mi
2010	77%	410	133,008 mi
2009	79%	350	133,771 mi
2008	79%	784	144,533 mi
2007	79%	767	142,675 mi
2006	76%	1,555	155,823 mi
2005	76%	1,419	156,278 mi
2004	78%	1,317	154,708 mi
2003	73%	1,124	154,865 mi
2002	76%	882	153,700 mi
2001	72%	735	147,542 mi
2000	72%	551	140,579 mi
1999	78%	163	114,277 mi
1998	70%	194	141,929 mi
1997	76%	138	147,655 mi
1996	81%	64	172,017 mi
1995	80%	121	142,655 mi
1994	72%	58	109,055 mi
1993	74%	34	126,140 mi
1992	66%	71	136,085 mi
1991	82%	34	129,523 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Transporter

2005 · 2460cc Diesel

£2,641/year

72%

-1%

Fiat Ducato

2005 · 2988cc Diesel

£2,641/year

77%

+4%

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About the 2003 Toyota Hiace

The 2003 Toyota Hiace is a van. Our records list a 2494cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,124 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 154,865 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Hiace owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 Toyota Hiace Fuel Costs

The 2494cc 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 Hiace?

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 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Toyota Hiace Reliability Trend

Newer Toyota Hiaces pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Toyota Hiace

At 23 years old, the Toyota Hiace 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 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 85%.

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 155k 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 Hiace 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 Hiace(2003)	73%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£2,641
Volkswagen Transporter(2005)	72%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£2,641same
Fiat Ducato(2005)	77%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£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 Hiace

Is the 2003 Toyota Hiace reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 2003 Toyota Hiaces ended in a pass, from 1,124 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Toyota Hiace 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 Hiace?

73% of 1,124 MOT tests on the 2003 Toyota Hiace ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 208th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top half).

Which year Toyota Hiace has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Toyota Hiace has the highest MOT pass rate at 85% and the 1998 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 Hiace?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Toyota Hiace is 154,865 miles, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.