VAUXHALL VIVARO (2003)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 4,409 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,397
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1870cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
67% pass rate, £2397/year to run. 15 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1870cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
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 23 years old, 67% of VAUXHALL VIVAROs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 4,409 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 160,741 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
160,741
Average miles
170,200
Expected for age
The average 2003 VAUXHALL VIVARO has 160,741 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2003 sits between the two at 67%.
VAUXHALL VIVARO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 72% | 46 | 45,587 mi | |
| 2020 | 88% | 110 | 64,426 mi | |
| 2019 | 80% | 10,390 | 73,912 mi | |
| 2018 | 78% | 21,445 | 80,253 mi | |
| 2017 | 75% | 23,658 | 92,795 mi | |
| 2016 | 75% | 36,778 | 98,379 mi | |
| 2015 | 74% | 43,156 | 111,832 mi | |
| 2014 | 72% | 25,467 | 120,046 mi | |
| 2013 | 70% | 20,902 | 134,523 mi | |
| 2012 | 69% | 18,679 | 140,447 mi | |
| 2011 | 68% | 22,513 | 146,048 mi | |
| 2010 | 67% | 13,971 | 150,285 mi | |
| 2009 | 68% | 8,688 | 148,183 mi | |
| 2008 | 68% | 18,188 | 155,883 mi | |
| 2007 | 68% | 18,054 | 152,481 mi | |
| 2006 | 67% | 15,910 | 153,447 mi | |
| 2005 | 68% | 12,438 | 155,550 mi | |
| 2004 | 67% | 8,241 | 159,253 mi | |
| 2003 | 67% | 4,409 | 160,741 mi | |
| 2002 | 67% | 1,580 | 157,468 mi | |
| 2001 | 73% | 153 | 157,483 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2003 VAUXHALL VIVARO
The 2003 VAUXHALL VIVARO is a family car with a 1870cc petrol engine. 4,409 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 81% of 2003 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 160,741 miles at 23 years old, VAUXHALL VIVARO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2003 VAUXHALL VIVARO Fuel Costs
The 1870cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 VIVARO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 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 VIVARO Reliability Trend
Newer VAUXHALL VIVAROs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 VAUXHALL VIVARO
At 23 years old, the VAUXHALL VIVARO 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2003 VAUXHALL VIVARO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 23 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 161k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 67% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 VIVARO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL VIVARO(2003) | 67% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2397 |
| MINI MINI(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| FORD FOCUS(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£675 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2004) | 67% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922-£475 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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