Vauxhall Astra (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 13,965 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1700cc Diesel

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Diesel1700cc23 years old13,965 tests107k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1700cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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 Vauxhall brand average of 84%.

72% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Astras from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 13,965 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 107,198 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models223rd of 429(bottom half)

Rank among Vauxhall models722nd of 870(bottom 18%)

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

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

vs Vauxhall average-12%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

107,198

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Vauxhall Astra had 107,198 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 93%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2003 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Vauxhall Astra by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	93%	2,970	27,427 mi
2020	92%	4,475	26,991 mi
2019	89%	33,060	42,098 mi
2018	87%	51,686	52,807 mi
2017	87%	75,171	60,945 mi
2016	85%	92,988	67,472 mi
2015	80%	81,105	75,336 mi
2014	79%	90,897	83,696 mi
2013	79%	101,969	92,423 mi
2012	78%	91,949	99,582 mi
2011	76%	80,762	103,274 mi
2010	74%	92,611	101,930 mi
2009	72%	70,480	103,723 mi
2008	72%	73,447	110,589 mi
2007	71%	71,923	112,772 mi
2006	70%	44,771	110,721 mi
2005	69%	29,377	109,353 mi
2004	71%	15,813	105,208 mi
2003	72%	13,965	107,198 mi
2002	69%	10,704	106,657 mi
2001	71%	5,902	102,050 mi
2000	70%	3,065	102,733 mi
1999	69%	3,316	102,882 mi
1998	70%	1,873	95,727 mi
1997	71%	1,790	90,370 mi
1996	72%	988	94,211 mi
1995	74%	1,055	96,905 mi
1994	77%	750	95,369 mi
1993	77%	540	96,579 mi
1992	84%	207	90,202 mi
1991	89%	290	82,574 mi
1990	86%	293	81,120 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2005 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

70%

-2%

Volkswagen Golf

2005 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

same

Volkswagen Polo

2005 · 1400cc Diesel

£2,144/year

68%

-4%

Honda Civic

2004 · 1686cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

same

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About the 2003 Vauxhall Astra

The 2003 Vauxhall Astra is a family car. Our records list a 1700cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 13,965 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 107,198 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Astra owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 Vauxhall Astra Fuel Costs

The 1700cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2003 Vauxhall Astra?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 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.

Vauxhall Astra Reliability Trend

Newer Vauxhall Astras pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Vauxhall Astra

At 23 years old, the Vauxhall Astra 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 93%. With 13,965 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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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 107k 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 Vauxhall Astra 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
Vauxhall Astra(2003)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
Ford Fiesta(2005)	70%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944-£283
Volkswagen Golf(2005)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Volkswagen Polo(2005)	68%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£2,144-£83
Honda Civic(2004)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same

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 Vauxhall Astra

Is the 2003 Vauxhall Astra reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 2003 Vauxhall Astras ended in a pass, from 13,965 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 Vauxhall Astra cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 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 Vauxhall Astra?

72% of 13,965 MOT tests on the 2003 Vauxhall Astra ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 223rd of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom half).

Which year Vauxhall Astra has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Vauxhall Astra has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 1999 the lowest at 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Vauxhall Astra?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Vauxhall Astra is 107,198 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.