VAUXHALL CORSA (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 14,521 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Total Tests (2024)
14,521
Avg Mileage
83,708 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,740
Is the 2003 VAUXHALL CORSA reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 21 years old, 67% of VAUXHALL CORSAs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 14,521 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 83,708 miles.
How does the 2003 VAUXHALL CORSA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 VAUXHALL CORSA has 83,708 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 CORSA?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 67%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 2003 VAUXHALL CORSA 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 CORSA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 96% | 204 | 21,555 mi |
| 2020 | 85% | 348 | 28,514 mi |
| 2019 | 88% | 68,639 | 32,881 mi |
| 2018 | 85% | 86,266 | 41,031 mi |
| 2017 | 82% | 90,285 | 49,026 mi |
| 2016 | 81% | 133,045 | 56,744 mi |
| 2015 | 78% | 160,438 | 63,359 mi |
| 2014 | 76% | 141,747 | 69,331 mi |
| 2013 | 77% | 136,838 | 75,022 mi |
| 2012 | 76% | 138,265 | 79,639 mi |
| 2011 | 75% | 111,868 | 83,401 mi |
| 2010 | 74% | 99,909 | 85,864 mi |
| 2009 | 73% | 91,541 | 89,332 mi |
| 2008 | 73% | 84,782 | 91,750 mi |
| 2007 | 72% | 65,133 | 92,716 mi |
| 2006 | 68% | 34,523 | 86,148 mi |
| 2005 | 68% | 23,877 | 84,722 mi |
| 2004 | 68% | 17,048 | 83,203 mi |
| 2003 | 67% | 14,521 | 83,708 mi |
| 2002 | 68% | 9,309 | 82,576 mi |
| 2001 | 68% | 6,337 | 80,064 mi |
| 2000 | 69% | 2,465 | 68,980 mi |
| 1999 | 89% | 7,697 | 80,319 mi |
| 1998 | 73% | 2,514 | 71,159 mi |
| 1997 | 72% | 1,694 | 72,132 mi |
| 1996 | 74% | 831 | 72,499 mi |
| 1995 | 72% | 537 | 74,332 mi |
| 1994 | 77% | 395 | 63,135 mi |
| 1993 | 88% | 187 | 62,430 mi |
Checking a specific VAUXHALL CORSA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 VAUXHALL CORSA
The 2003 VAUXHALL CORSA is a city car with a 973cc petrol engine. 14,521 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 80% of 2003 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 83,708 miles at 21 years old, VAUXHALL CORSA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 VAUXHALL CORSA Fuel Costs
The modest 973cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 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 CORSA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,740 (£145/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
VAUXHALL CORSA Reliability Trend
Newer VAUXHALL CORSAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 VAUXHALL CORSA
At 21 years old, the VAUXHALL CORSA 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. With 14,521 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2003 VAUXHALL CORSA
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (+4%) from 29,898 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2005) 73% pass rate (+6%) from 29,754 tests
- HONDA JAZZ (2005) 70% pass rate (+3%) from 28,650 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (2005) 72% pass rate (+5%) from 27,370 tests