CarCostCheck

VAUXHALL ZAFIRA (2003)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 4,657 real MOT tests in 2024.

Share:XFacebookWhatsApp

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Total Tests (2024)

4,657

Avg Mileage

117,922 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£2,217

Is the 2003 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA reliable?

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 21 years old, 69% of VAUXHALL ZAFIRAs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 4,657 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 117,922 miles.

How does the 2003 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA compare?

Rank among all 2003 cars313th out of 445(top 70%)
Rank among all VAUXHALL models797th out 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

The average 2003 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA has 117,922 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 ZAFIRA?

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%.

How much does a 2003 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)
£1,327
🏛️Road Tax
£135
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs

Higher than average due to low pass rate

£700
Total per year£2,217
Per month£185/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

VAUXHALL ZAFIRA by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201886%7,94848,589 mi
201784%19,18257,186 mi
201683%19,43569,725 mi
201581%24,36479,658 mi
201479%47,16387,407 mi
201378%47,85191,885 mi
201276%28,72896,866 mi
201173%23,998106,807 mi
201072%32,021108,515 mi
200970%18,589107,690 mi
200869%27,404113,639 mi
200768%22,972114,567 mi
200669%15,366117,052 mi
200569%10,501117,280 mi
200470%8,351117,412 mi
200369%4,657117,922 mi
200271%2,799121,379 mi
200171%1,295121,885 mi
200066%452133,027 mi
199965%219123,366 mi

Checking a specific VAUXHALL ZAFIRA?

Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

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 2024, 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 21 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 £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 21 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%.

Alternatives to the 2003 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA

If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines: