VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 5,106 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
5,106
Avg Mileage
162,240 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 21 years old, 72% of VOLKSWAGEN PASSATs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 5,106 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 162,240 miles.
How does the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT has 162,240 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?
The most reliable year is the 2023 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2003 sits between the two at 72%.
How much does a 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 96% | 115 | 28,795 mi |
| 2022 | 95% | 112 | 32,575 mi |
| 2021 | 88% | 2,883 | 48,544 mi |
| 2020 | 91% | 3,693 | 51,051 mi |
| 2019 | 90% | 10,401 | 64,414 mi |
| 2018 | 89% | 17,765 | 78,744 mi |
| 2017 | 87% | 23,604 | 91,978 mi |
| 2016 | 86% | 25,422 | 104,333 mi |
| 2015 | 85% | 26,110 | 113,668 mi |
| 2014 | 81% | 26,568 | 119,255 mi |
| 2013 | 79% | 22,147 | 127,390 mi |
| 2012 | 78% | 25,128 | 136,337 mi |
| 2011 | 77% | 30,407 | 143,692 mi |
| 2010 | 76% | 21,533 | 142,381 mi |
| 2009 | 77% | 21,442 | 142,464 mi |
| 2008 | 75% | 17,841 | 148,772 mi |
| 2007 | 74% | 15,448 | 152,684 mi |
| 2006 | 72% | 10,368 | 152,502 mi |
| 2005 | 74% | 7,453 | 156,295 mi |
| 2004 | 73% | 6,247 | 161,943 mi |
| 2003 | 72% | 5,106 | 162,240 mi |
| 2002 | 72% | 3,237 | 159,288 mi |
| 2001 | 72% | 1,897 | 161,435 mi |
| 2000 | 68% | 891 | 164,572 mi |
| 1999 | 71% | 1,147 | 167,995 mi |
| 1998 | 71% | 946 | 154,291 mi |
| 1997 | 77% | 256 | 150,194 mi |
| 1996 | 84% | 142 | 140,487 mi |
| 1995 | 68% | 107 | 149,628 mi |
| 1994 | 73% | 86 | 126,099 mi |
| 1993 | 85% | 94 | 188,041 mi |
| 1992 | 76% | 83 | 145,928 mi |
| 1991 | 73% | 49 | 149,661 mi |
| 1990 | 81% | 54 | 146,491 mi |
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
The 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT is a family car with a 1984cc petrol engine. 5,106 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 162,240 miles at 21 years old, VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Fuel Costs
The 1984cc 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 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN PASSATs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
At 21 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 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 2023 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. With 5,106 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 41,794 tests
- TOYOTA COROLLA (2005) 76% pass rate (+4%) from 19,418 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2005) 67% pass rate (-5%) from 18,423 tests