How much does a 2003 TOYOTA RAV4 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 TOYOTA RAV4?

The 2003 TOYOTA RAV4 has a 75% MOT pass rate based on 4,621 tests in 2026. This ranks 167 out of 445 cars from 2003.

Which year TOYOTA RAV4 is most reliable?

The 2021 TOYOTA RAV4 has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%. The least reliable year is 1997 at 68%.

TOYOTA RAV4 (2003)

Q: Is the 2003 TOYOTA RAV4 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of TOYOTA RAV4s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 4,621 tests. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2003 TOYOTA RAV4?

The average mileage for a 2003 TOYOTA RAV4 is 119,254 miles, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 4,621 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol1998cc23 years old4,621 tests119k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1998cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,197

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

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 23 years old, 75% of TOYOTA RAV4s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 4,621 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 119,254 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 cars167th of 445(top 38%)

Rank among TOYOTA models772th of 996(top 78%)

vs national average-7%(82% avg)

vs 2003 cars average+3%(72% avg)

vs TOYOTA average-9%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

119,254

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2003 TOYOTA RAV4 has 119,254 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2003 sits between the two at 75%.

TOYOTA RAV4 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2023	98%	43	20,925 mi
2022	96%	874	24,460 mi
2021	96%	17,327	28,263 mi
2020	95%	21,063	37,470 mi
2019	95%	15,813	42,076 mi
2018	91%	12,367	47,872 mi
2017	89%	12,682	58,953 mi
2016	89%	12,934	66,323 mi
2015	88%	8,896	76,597 mi
2014	87%	7,762	84,598 mi
2013	87%	7,737	90,677 mi
2012	85%	2,610	90,323 mi
2011	85%	834	94,363 mi
2010	79%	910	98,211 mi
2009	76%	3,006	113,712 mi
2008	75%	6,232	117,679 mi
2007	74%	6,284	117,871 mi
2006	74%	4,339	112,901 mi
2005	78%	5,924	112,885 mi
2004	76%	5,895	112,590 mi
2003	75%	4,621	119,254 mi
2002	75%	3,459	123,590 mi
2001	74%	1,839	123,791 mi
2000	74%	791	119,583 mi
1999	74%	1,509	119,127 mi
1998	72%	1,871	121,783 mi
1997	68%	939	118,557 mi
1996	70%	696	116,356 mi
1995	72%	559	120,800 mi
1994	76%	103	114,912 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

-4%

FORD FOCUS

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

-4%

TOYOTA COROLLA

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

76%

+1%

RENAULT CLIO

2005 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,217/year

67%

-8%

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About the 2003 TOYOTA RAV4

The 2003 TOYOTA RAV4 is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 4,621 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, 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 119,254 miles at 23 years old, TOYOTA RAV4 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 TOYOTA RAV4 Fuel Costs

The 1998cc 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 RAV4?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 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 RAV4 Reliability Trend

Newer TOYOTA RAV4s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2003 TOYOTA RAV4

At 23 years old, the TOYOTA RAV4 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2003 TOYOTA RAV4's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 23 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

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 119k 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.

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 RAV4 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
TOYOTA RAV4(2003)	75%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2197
MINI MINI(2005)	71%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
FORD FOCUS(2005)	71%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
TOYOTA COROLLA(2005)	76%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
RENAULT CLIO(2005)	67%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2217+£20

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.