Vauxhall Vivaro (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 4,409 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,711

£226/month

MOT Pass Rate

67%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

1870cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

67% pass rate, £2,711/year to run. 15 points below average.

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Petrol1870cc23 years old4,409 tests161k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1870cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,711

Per month£226/mo

Per week£52/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

67% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Vauxhall brand average of 84%.

67% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Vivaros from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 4,409 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 160,741 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models345th of 429(bottom 20%)

Rank among Vauxhall models828th of 870(bottom 5%)

vs average of all models-15%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average-5%(72% avg)

vs Vauxhall average-17%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

160,741

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Vauxhall Vivaro had 160,741 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2003 scores 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

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About the 2003 Vauxhall Vivaro

The 2003 Vauxhall Vivaro is a van. Our records list a 1870cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 4,409 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 20% of 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 160,741 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2003 Vauxhall Vivaro?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,711 (£226/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

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

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 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 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 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 risk

High-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 risk

Worn 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 out

With 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 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.

Questions about the 2003 Vauxhall Vivaro

Is the 2003 Vauxhall Vivaro reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 67% of MOT tests on 2003 Vauxhall Vivaros ended in a pass, from 4,409 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Vauxhall Vivaro cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,711 a year (£226 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Vauxhall Vivaro?

67% of 4,409 MOT tests on the 2003 Vauxhall Vivaro ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 345th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom 20%).

Which year Vauxhall Vivaro has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Vauxhall Vivaro has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 2002 the lowest at 67%. 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 Vivaro?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Vauxhall Vivaro is 160,741 miles, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.