TOYOTA RAV-4 (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 3,314 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
3,314
Avg Mileage
120,017 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 2003 TOYOTA RAV-4 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the TOYOTA brand average of 84%.
At 21 years old, 75% of TOYOTA RAV-4s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 3,314 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 120,017 miles.
How does the 2003 TOYOTA RAV-4 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 TOYOTA RAV-4 has 120,017 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a TOYOTA RAV-4?
The most reliable year is the 2014 model with a 87% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 63%. The 2003 sits between the two at 75%.
How much does a 2003 TOYOTA RAV-4 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
TOYOTA RAV-4 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 87% | 2,314 | 89,044 mi |
| 2013 | 86% | 2,378 | 89,784 mi |
| 2012 | 83% | 2,968 | 92,727 mi |
| 2011 | 81% | 5,769 | 101,091 mi |
| 2010 | 81% | 5,925 | 108,667 mi |
| 2009 | 80% | 2,815 | 111,891 mi |
| 2008 | 75% | 2,882 | 118,412 mi |
| 2007 | 73% | 4,787 | 124,487 mi |
| 2006 | 72% | 5,749 | 125,232 mi |
| 2005 | 76% | 5,613 | 120,527 mi |
| 2004 | 75% | 4,420 | 119,012 mi |
| 2003 | 75% | 3,314 | 120,017 mi |
| 2002 | 74% | 2,212 | 116,302 mi |
| 2001 | 76% | 1,327 | 120,035 mi |
| 2000 | 76% | 463 | 112,097 mi |
| 1999 | 73% | 447 | 124,230 mi |
| 1998 | 73% | 482 | 122,929 mi |
| 1997 | 71% | 447 | 121,927 mi |
| 1996 | 72% | 204 | 122,888 mi |
| 1995 | 63% | 67 | 126,943 mi |
| 1994 | 77% | 39 | 129,896 mi |
Checking a specific TOYOTA RAV-4?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 TOYOTA RAV-4
The 2003 TOYOTA RAV-4 is a family car with a 1794cc petrol engine. 3,314 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 120,017 miles at 21 years old, TOYOTA RAV-4 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 TOYOTA RAV-4 Fuel Costs
The 1794cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 RAV-4?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
TOYOTA RAV-4 Reliability Trend
Newer TOYOTA RAV-4s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 TOYOTA RAV-4
At 21 years old, the TOYOTA RAV-4 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 87%.
Alternatives to the 2003 TOYOTA RAV-4
The TOYOTA RAV-4 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (-4%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (-4%) from 41,794 tests
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (-4%) from 29,898 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2005) 73% pass rate (-2%) from 29,754 tests