How much does a 2003 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA?

The 2003 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA has a 69% MOT pass rate based on 4,657 tests in 2026. This ranks 313 out of 445 cars from 2003.

Which year VAUXHALL ZAFIRA is most reliable?

The 2018 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA has the highest MOT pass rate at 86%. The least reliable year is 1999 at 65%.

VAUXHALL ZAFIRA (2003)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2003 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA?

The average mileage for a 2003 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA is 117,922 miles, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 4,657 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,397

£200/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1796cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £2397/year to run. 13 points below average.

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Petrol1796cc23 years old4,657 tests118k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1796cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,397

Per month£200/mo

Per week£46/wk

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

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.

At 23 years old, 69% of VAUXHALL ZAFIRAs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 4,657 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 117,922 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 cars313th of 445(top 70%)

Rank among VAUXHALL models797th of 882(top 90%)

vs national average-13%(82% avg)

vs 2003 cars average-3%(72% avg)

vs VAUXHALL average-15%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

117,922

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2003 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA has 117,922 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 86% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2003 sits between the two at 69%.

VAUXHALL ZAFIRA by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	86%	7,948	48,589 mi
2017	84%	19,182	57,186 mi
2016	83%	19,435	69,725 mi
2015	81%	24,364	79,658 mi
2014	79%	47,163	87,407 mi
2013	78%	47,851	91,885 mi
2012	76%	28,728	96,866 mi
2011	73%	23,998	106,807 mi
2010	72%	32,021	108,515 mi
2009	70%	18,589	107,690 mi
2008	69%	27,404	113,639 mi
2007	68%	22,972	114,567 mi
2006	69%	15,366	117,052 mi
2005	69%	10,501	117,280 mi
2004	70%	8,351	117,412 mi
2003	69%	4,657	117,922 mi
2002	71%	2,799	121,379 mi
2001	71%	1,295	121,885 mi
2000	66%	452	133,027 mi
1999	65%	219	123,366 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

+2%

FORD FOCUS

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

+2%

FORD FIESTA

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£1,722/year

71%

+2%

TOYOTA YARIS

2005 · 1299cc Petrol

£1,722/year

73%

+4%

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About the 2003 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA

The 2003 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 4,657 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 117,922 miles at 23 years old, VAUXHALL ZAFIRA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA Fuel Costs

The 1796cc 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 ZAFIRA?

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 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

VAUXHALL ZAFIRA Reliability Trend

Newer VAUXHALL ZAFIRAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2003 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA

At 23 years old, the VAUXHALL ZAFIRA 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 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 86%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2003 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 118k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 69% 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.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2003 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
VAUXHALL ZAFIRA(2003)	69%	£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
TOYOTA YARIS(2005)	73%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£675

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.