VAUXHALL ASTRA (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 13,965 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
13,965
Avg Mileage
107,198 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,727
Is the 2003 VAUXHALL ASTRA reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 21 years old, 72% of VAUXHALL ASTRAs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 13,965 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 107,198 miles.
How does the 2003 VAUXHALL ASTRA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 VAUXHALL ASTRA has 107,198 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 VAUXHALL ASTRA?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2003 sits between the two at 72%.
How much does a 2003 VAUXHALL ASTRA 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.
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 |
Checking a specific VAUXHALL ASTRA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 VAUXHALL ASTRA
The 2003 VAUXHALL ASTRA is a family car with a 1700cc diesel engine. 13,965 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 107,198 miles at 21 years old, 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 £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 £1,727 (£144/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 VAUXHALL ASTRA
At 21 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.
Alternatives to the 2003 VAUXHALL ASTRA
The VAUXHALL ASTRA is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel family cars from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2005) 70% pass rate (-2%) from 48,429 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2005) 72% pass rate (same) from 41,401 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2005) 68% pass rate (-4%) from 30,507 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (2004) 72% pass rate (same) from 20,938 tests