Volkswagen Transporter (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 13,745 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,643

£220/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

2461cc Diesel

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2,643/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Diesel2461cc23 years old13,745 tests174k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2461cc)

~40 mpg

£1,678

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,643

Per month£220/mo

Per week£51/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.52p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 5 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.

71% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Transporters from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 13,745 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 173,749 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models250th of 429(bottom half)

Rank among Volkswagen models957th of 1,086(bottom 12%)

vs average of all models-11%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average-1%(72% avg)

vs Volkswagen average-14%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

173,749

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Volkswagen Transporter had 173,749 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 89%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2003 scores 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volkswagen Transporter by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	89%	129	38,291 mi
2020	89%	1,311	43,632 mi
2019	88%	25,915	55,696 mi
2018	86%	37,535	66,926 mi
2017	85%	38,467	76,077 mi
2016	84%	37,805	87,209 mi
2015	82%	34,503	95,309 mi
2014	81%	30,466	105,350 mi
2013	82%	27,985	115,923 mi
2012	80%	24,759	125,395 mi
2011	79%	23,700	133,523 mi
2010	77%	21,463	140,851 mi
2009	76%	17,431	142,178 mi
2008	75%	25,818	153,577 mi
2007	75%	27,476	161,773 mi
2006	73%	23,355	167,933 mi
2005	72%	20,813	174,693 mi
2004	73%	19,211	180,024 mi
2003	71%	13,745	173,749 mi
2002	69%	12,401	177,596 mi
2001	70%	12,405	176,472 mi
2000	70%	9,140	176,792 mi
1999	70%	12,854	176,887 mi
1998	69%	12,811	173,402 mi
1997	69%	10,120	163,637 mi
1996	67%	8,643	173,387 mi
1995	69%	5,077	166,204 mi
1994	69%	3,632	147,650 mi
1993	69%	2,096	137,070 mi
1992	70%	2,260	140,629 mi
1991	74%	2,007	143,826 mi
1990	73%	3,481	131,256 mi

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About the 2003 Volkswagen Transporter

The 2003 Volkswagen Transporter is a van. Our records list a 2461cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 13,745 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 173,749 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Transporter owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 Volkswagen Transporter Fuel Costs

The 2461cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,678 per year with diesel at 199.52p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 5 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2003 Volkswagen Transporter?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,643 (£220/month), broken down as £1,678 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volkswagen Transporter Reliability Trend

Newer Volkswagen Transporters pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Volkswagen Transporter

At 23 years old, the Volkswagen Transporter 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 89%. With 13,745 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 174k 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.

Questions about the 2003 Volkswagen Transporter

Is the 2003 Volkswagen Transporter reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MOT tests on 2003 Volkswagen Transporters ended in a pass, from 13,745 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Volkswagen Transporter cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,643 a year (£220 a month): £1,678 fuel, £410 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 Transporter?

71% of 13,745 MOT tests on the 2003 Volkswagen Transporter ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 250th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom half).

Which year Volkswagen Transporter has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Volkswagen Transporter has the highest MOT pass rate at 89% and the 1996 the lowest at 67%. 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 Transporter?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Volkswagen Transporter is 173,749 miles, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.