Toyota Previa (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,113 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,427

£202/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1995cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £2,427/year to run. 13 points below average.

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Diesel1995cc23 years old1,113 tests143k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,427

Per month£202/mo

Per week£47/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

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Toyota brand average of 84%.

69% of MOT tests on Toyota Previas from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 1,113 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 143,020 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models301st of 429(bottom half)

Rank among Toyota models930th of 970(bottom 5%)

vs average of all models-13%(82% avg)

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

vs Toyota average-15%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

143,020

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Toyota Previa had 143,020 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 2014 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2003 scores 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Toyota Previa by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2016	77%	70	127,271 mi
2015	82%	77	125,612 mi
2014	94%	144	72,819 mi
2013	87%	166	66,720 mi
2012	76%	101	95,435 mi
2011	73%	81	118,173 mi
2010	73%	82	141,893 mi
2009	82%	50	130,305 mi
2008	89%	62	149,458 mi
2007	75%	61	132,101 mi
2006	76%	989	143,155 mi
2005	73%	1,236	141,444 mi
2004	71%	1,321	145,576 mi
2003	69%	1,113	143,020 mi
2002	71%	791	146,265 mi
2001	68%	820	147,869 mi
2000	69%	347	149,094 mi
1999	75%	230	130,612 mi
1998	69%	288	128,259 mi
1997	70%	292	126,789 mi
1996	72%	270	133,442 mi
1995	66%	209	131,539 mi
1994	76%	94	123,013 mi
1993	77%	133	141,239 mi
1992	75%	55	138,737 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2005 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

+3%

Vauxhall Astra

2005 · 1598cc Diesel

£2,144/year

69%

same

Honda Civic

2005 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

73%

+4%

Audi A3

2005 · 1595cc Diesel

£1,944/year

72%

+3%

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About the 2003 Toyota Previa

The 2003 Toyota Previa is a family car. Our records list a 1995cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,113 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 falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 143,020 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Previa owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 Toyota Previa 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 Previa?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Toyota Previa Reliability Trend

Newer Toyota Previas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Toyota Previa

At 23 years old, the Toyota Previa 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 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.

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 143k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 Previa 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 Previa(2003)	69%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,427
Volkswagen Golf(2005)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£200
Vauxhall Astra(2005)	69%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£2,144-£283
Honda Civic(2005)	73%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£214
Audi A3(2005)	72%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944-£483

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 Previa

Is the 2003 Toyota Previa reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 2003 Toyota Previas ended in a pass, from 1,113 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Toyota Previa cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,427 a year (£202 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Toyota Previa?

69% of 1,113 MOT tests on the 2003 Toyota Previa ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 301st of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom half).

Which year Toyota Previa has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 Toyota Previa has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 1995 the lowest at 66%. 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 Previa?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Toyota Previa is 143,020 miles, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.