VAUXHALL COMBO (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 3,142 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Total Tests (2024)
3,142
Avg Mileage
138,909 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,027
Is the 2003 VAUXHALL COMBO reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 21 years old, 65% of VAUXHALL COMBOs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 3,142 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 138,909 miles.
How does the 2003 VAUXHALL COMBO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 VAUXHALL COMBO has 138,909 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a VAUXHALL COMBO?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 85% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 65%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 2003 VAUXHALL COMBO 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 COMBO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 85% | 2,256 | 44,074 mi |
| 2020 | 82% | 16,650 | 50,243 mi |
| 2019 | 84% | 26,189 | 56,702 mi |
| 2018 | 81% | 5,210 | 68,773 mi |
| 2017 | 77% | 6,624 | 82,586 mi |
| 2016 | 75% | 9,354 | 96,356 mi |
| 2015 | 74% | 9,819 | 102,757 mi |
| 2014 | 73% | 9,086 | 106,793 mi |
| 2013 | 72% | 6,354 | 111,544 mi |
| 2012 | 70% | 5,907 | 115,666 mi |
| 2011 | 74% | 13,518 | 110,613 mi |
| 2010 | 72% | 12,858 | 110,980 mi |
| 2009 | 69% | 8,183 | 121,545 mi |
| 2008 | 68% | 10,804 | 129,928 mi |
| 2007 | 68% | 9,039 | 133,235 mi |
| 2006 | 66% | 6,903 | 128,920 mi |
| 2005 | 67% | 4,689 | 128,941 mi |
| 2004 | 65% | 4,226 | 139,747 mi |
| 2003 | 65% | 3,142 | 138,909 mi |
| 2002 | 67% | 960 | 137,264 mi |
| 2001 | 66% | 180 | 111,186 mi |
| 2000 | 67% | 83 | 110,182 mi |
| 1999 | 84% | 106 | 105,727 mi |
| 1998 | 83% | 81 | 123,220 mi |
| 1997 | 79% | 47 | 134,272 mi |
| 1996 | 75% | 79 | 107,082 mi |
| 1995 | 71% | 49 | 116,969 mi |
Checking a specific VAUXHALL COMBO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 VAUXHALL COMBO
The 2003 VAUXHALL COMBO is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 3,142 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 88% of 2003 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 138,909 miles at 21 years old, VAUXHALL COMBO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2003 VAUXHALL COMBO Fuel Costs
The 1598cc 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 VAUXHALL COMBO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,027 (£169/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
VAUXHALL COMBO Reliability Trend
Newer VAUXHALL COMBOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 VAUXHALL COMBO
At 21 years old, the VAUXHALL COMBO 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.
Alternatives to the 2003 VAUXHALL COMBO
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (+6%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (+6%) from 41,794 tests
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (+6%) from 29,898 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2005) 73% pass rate (+8%) from 29,754 tests