Toyota Yaris (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 20,755 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,153

£179/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£200

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1299cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,153/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Petrol1299cc23 years old20,755 tests97k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1299cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,153

Per month£179/mo

Per week£41/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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Toyota brand average of 84%.

72% of MOT tests on Toyota Yariss from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 20,755 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 97,179 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models222nd of 429(bottom half)

Rank among Toyota models861st of 970(bottom 12%)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+0%(72% avg)

vs Toyota average-12%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

97,179

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Toyota Yaris had 97,179 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2003 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-1%

Ford Focus

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-1%

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-1%

Honda Jazz

2005 · 1300cc Petrol

£2,153/year

70%

-2%

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About the 2003 Toyota Yaris

The 2003 Toyota Yaris is a small family car. Our records list a 1299cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 20,755 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 97,179 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,398 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).

What does it cost to own a 2003 Toyota Yaris?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,153 (£179/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 15 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Toyota Yaris

At 23 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. With 20,755 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 97k 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 Yaris stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Toyota Yaris(2003)	72%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153
MINI(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£75
Ford Focus(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£75
Ford Fiesta(2003)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153same
Honda Jazz(2005)	70%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2003 Toyota Yaris

Is the 2003 Toyota Yaris reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 2003 Toyota Yariss ended in a pass, from 20,755 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Toyota Yaris cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,153 a year (£179 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

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

72% of 20,755 MOT tests on the 2003 Toyota Yaris ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 222nd of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom half).

Which year Toyota Yaris has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Toyota Yaris has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 1999 the lowest at 68%. 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 Yaris?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Toyota Yaris is 97,179 miles, 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.