Toyota Prius (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 235 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,078

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1497cc Hybrid

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2,078/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Hybrid1497cc23 years old235 tests146k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Hybrid, 1497cc)

~42 mpg (petrol-engine estimate; hybrids usually use less)

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,078

Per month£173/mo

Per week£40/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

80% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Toyota brand average of 84%.

80% of MOT tests on Toyota Priuss from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 235 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 145,590 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models97th of 429(top 23%)

Rank among Toyota models590th of 970(bottom half)

vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+8%(72% avg)

vs Toyota average-4%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

145,590

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Toyota Prius had 145,590 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 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2003 scores 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Toyota Prius by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2024	98%	1,796	28,546 mi
2023	95%	790	45,159 mi
2022	96%	1,210	45,561 mi
2021	94%	5,754	47,658 mi
2020	93%	17,502	59,107 mi
2019	94%	32,127	85,977 mi
2018	94%	30,568	84,645 mi
2017	93%	27,059	100,387 mi
2016	91%	25,588	125,494 mi
2015	91%	21,626	150,511 mi
2014	91%	21,629	152,232 mi
2013	88%	16,377	142,823 mi
2012	85%	13,137	157,113 mi
2011	83%	12,235	177,140 mi
2010	82%	16,294	178,433 mi
2009	80%	12,010	166,625 mi
2008	79%	11,632	160,577 mi
2007	78%	11,511	154,920 mi
2006	77%	6,242	161,568 mi
2005	78%	4,176	158,308 mi
2004	79%	1,530	160,817 mi
2003	80%	235	145,590 mi
2002	86%	74	127,785 mi
2001	74%	119	134,289 mi

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About the 2003 Toyota Prius

The 2003 Toyota Prius is a small family car. Our records list a 1497cc hybrid engine, though engines vary between versions. 235 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 23% of all 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 145,590 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Prius owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 Toyota Prius Fuel Costs

The 1497cc hybrid engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Our estimate uses around 42 mpg, the figure for a petrol engine of this size, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid it should use less than that, and real-world fuel costs depend a lot on how much electric-only driving you do.

What does it cost to own a 2003 Toyota Prius?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,078 (£173/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 12 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.

Is the 2003 Toyota Prius reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2003 Toyota Priuss ended in a pass, from 235 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Toyota Prius cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,078 a year (£173 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

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

80% of 235 MOT tests on the 2003 Toyota Prius ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 97th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top 23%).

Which year Toyota Prius has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Toyota Prius has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2001 the lowest at 74%. 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 Prius?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Toyota Prius is 145,590 miles, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.