TOYOTA YARIS (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 20,755 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
20,755
Avg Mileage
97,179 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,722
Is the 2003 TOYOTA YARIS reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the TOYOTA brand average of 84%.
At 21 years old, 72% of TOYOTA YARISs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 20,755 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 97,179 miles.
How does the 2003 TOYOTA YARIS compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 TOYOTA YARIS has 97,179 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 YARIS?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2003 sits between the two at 72%.
How much does a 2003 TOYOTA YARIS cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
TOYOTA YARIS by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 89% | 37 | 35,939 mi |
| 2022 | 98% | 119 | 17,489 mi |
| 2021 | 95% | 632 | 26,407 mi |
| 2020 | 94% | 23,578 | 24,211 mi |
| 2019 | 93% | 41,554 | 29,343 mi |
| 2018 | 91% | 42,493 | 36,178 mi |
| 2017 | 89% | 41,160 | 41,679 mi |
| 2016 | 89% | 42,385 | 48,596 mi |
| 2015 | 88% | 46,438 | 55,753 mi |
| 2014 | 85% | 45,803 | 61,045 mi |
| 2013 | 84% | 46,724 | 66,676 mi |
| 2012 | 83% | 43,928 | 72,192 mi |
| 2011 | 82% | 25,853 | 75,115 mi |
| 2010 | 79% | 30,715 | 82,945 mi |
| 2009 | 79% | 40,160 | 84,624 mi |
| 2008 | 75% | 38,912 | 95,233 mi |
| 2007 | 75% | 36,409 | 96,983 mi |
| 2006 | 73% | 30,783 | 98,498 mi |
| 2005 | 73% | 29,754 | 94,076 mi |
| 2004 | 72% | 24,893 | 96,050 mi |
| 2003 | 72% | 20,755 | 97,179 mi |
| 2002 | 72% | 16,079 | 98,193 mi |
| 2001 | 71% | 12,710 | 99,203 mi |
| 2000 | 70% | 6,496 | 100,486 mi |
| 1999 | 68% | 3,072 | 98,260 mi |
Checking a specific TOYOTA YARIS?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 TOYOTA YARIS
The 2003 TOYOTA YARIS is a small family car with a 1299cc petrol engine. 20,755 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 97,179 miles at 21 years old, TOYOTA YARIS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 TOYOTA YARIS Fuel Costs
The 1299cc 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 YARIS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,722 (£144/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
TOYOTA YARIS Reliability Trend
Newer TOYOTA YARISs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 16 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 TOYOTA YARIS
At 21 years old, the TOYOTA YARIS 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 98%. With 20,755 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2003 TOYOTA YARIS
The TOYOTA YARIS is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol small family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 41,794 tests
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 29,898 tests
- HONDA JAZZ (2005) 70% pass rate (-2%) from 28,650 tests