CarCostCheck

TOYOTA PRIUS (2003)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 235 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,807

£151/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1497cc Petrol

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £1807/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol1497cc23 years old235 tests146k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1497cc)

~42 mpg

£1,137
Road Tax

Based on 1497cc

£265
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£1,807
Per month£151/mo
Per week£35/wk

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

80% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the TOYOTA brand average of 84%.

At 23 years old, 80% of TOYOTA PRIUSs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 235 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 145,590 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 cars102th of 445(top 23%)
Rank among TOYOTA models612th of 996(top 61%)
vs national average-2%(82% avg)
vs 2003 cars average+8%(72% avg)
vs TOYOTA average-4%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

145,590

Average miles

vs

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS has 145,590 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 98% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2003 sits between the two at 80%.

TOYOTA PRIUS by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202498%1,79628,546 mi
202395%79045,159 mi
202296%1,21045,561 mi
202194%5,75447,658 mi
202093%17,50259,107 mi
201994%32,12785,977 mi
201894%30,56884,645 mi
201793%27,059100,387 mi
201691%25,588125,494 mi
201591%21,626150,511 mi
201491%21,629152,232 mi
201388%16,377142,823 mi
201285%13,137157,113 mi
201183%12,235177,140 mi
201082%16,294178,433 mi
200980%12,010166,625 mi
200879%11,632160,577 mi
200778%11,511154,920 mi
200677%6,242161,568 mi
200578%4,176158,308 mi
200479%1,530160,817 mi
200380%235145,590 mi
200286%74127,785 mi
200174%119134,289 mi

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About the 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS

The 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS is a small family car with a 1497cc petrol engine. 235 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 23% of all 2003 cars for reliability.

With an average of 145,590 miles at 23 years old, TOYOTA PRIUS owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 TOYOTA PRIUS Fuel Costs

The 1497cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 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 PRIUS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,807 151/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

TOYOTA PRIUS Reliability Trend

Newer TOYOTA PRIUSs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS

At 23 years old, the TOYOTA PRIUS 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 98%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 146k 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.

Related Toyota Models

Explore other Toyota cars or similar models in the same category.

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