Volkswagen Touareg (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 317 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,303

£275/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3200cc Petrol

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £3,303/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol3200cc23 years old317 tests130k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3200cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£3,303

Per month£275/mo

Per week£64/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

79% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.

79% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Touaregs from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 317 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 130,286 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models104th of 429(top 25%)

Rank among Volkswagen models782nd of 1,086(bottom half)

vs average of all models-3%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+7%(72% avg)

vs Volkswagen average-6%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

130,286

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Volkswagen Touareg had 130,286 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 93%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2003 scores 79%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volkswagen Touareg by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	93%	745	35,077 mi
2020	93%	1,542	43,671 mi
2019	91%	6,746	49,179 mi
2018	90%	3,613	56,095 mi
2017	85%	7,454	65,245 mi
2016	86%	8,176	75,288 mi
2015	85%	9,905	84,367 mi
2014	88%	7,329	94,102 mi
2013	86%	5,596	104,529 mi
2012	86%	4,035	113,342 mi
2011	84%	3,701	122,498 mi
2010	81%	1,668	128,292 mi
2009	80%	2,577	126,791 mi
2008	78%	3,337	137,817 mi
2007	79%	4,677	142,943 mi
2006	78%	3,571	146,020 mi
2005	76%	2,324	147,345 mi
2004	79%	1,176	138,196 mi
2003	79%	317	130,286 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

2001 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,958/year

77%

-2%

Mercedes E

2004 · 3199cc Petrol

£3,303/year

78%

-1%

Porsche Boxster

2005 · 3197cc Petrol

£3,153/year

86%

+7%

Volvo XC90

2005 · 2922cc Petrol

£2,958/year

73%

-6%

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About the 2003 Volkswagen Touareg

The 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3200cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 317 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 25% of all 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 130,286 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Touareg owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 Volkswagen Touareg Fuel Costs

The 3200cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 Volkswagen Touareg?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,303 (£275/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volkswagen Touareg Reliability Trend

Newer Volkswagen Touaregs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Volkswagen Touareg

At 23 years old, the Volkswagen Touareg 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 93%.

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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 130k 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.

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 Volkswagen Touareg stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Volkswagen Touareg(2003)	79%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303
BMW 3 Series(2001)	77%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958-£345
Mercedes E(2004)	78%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303same
Porsche Boxster(2005)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153-£150
Volvo XC90(2005)	73%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958-£345

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2003 Volkswagen Touareg

Is the 2003 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MOT tests on 2003 Volkswagen Touaregs ended in a pass, from 317 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Volkswagen Touareg cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,303 a year (£275 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Volkswagen Touareg?

79% of 317 MOT tests on the 2003 Volkswagen Touareg ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 104th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top 25%).

Which year Volkswagen Touareg has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Volkswagen Touareg has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2005 the lowest at 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Volkswagen Touareg?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is 130,286 miles, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.