VAUXHALL VX220 (2003)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 435 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,897
£158/month
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Excellent
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Great Choice
90% pass rate, £1897/year to run. 8 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1998cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 23 years old, 90% of VAUXHALL VX220s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 435 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 60,830 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
60,830
Average miles
170,200
Expected for age
The average 2003 VAUXHALL VX220 has 60,830 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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VAUXHALL VX220 by Year
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About the 2003 VAUXHALL VX220
The 2003 VAUXHALL VX220 is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 435 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 6% of all 2003 cars for reliability.
With an average of 60,830 miles at 23 years old, VAUXHALL VX220 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2003 VAUXHALL VX220 Fuel Costs
The 1998cc 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 VX220?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,897 (£158/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
VAUXHALL VX220 Reliability Trend
The VAUXHALL VX220 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 VAUXHALL VX220
At 23 years old, the VAUXHALL VX220 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2003 VAUXHALL VX220'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.
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 VX220 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL VX220(2003) | 90% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £1897 |
| MINI MINI(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£70 |
| FORD FOCUS(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£70 |
| TOYOTA COROLLA(2005) | 76% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£70 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2005) | 67% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217+£320 |
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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