Dennis Unknown (2003)

1,724 real MOT outcomes analysed • 3.2% first-time pass rate

2003 Dennis Unknown

CarHunch analysed 1,724 real MOT records for the 2003 Dennis Unknown. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

Below average reliability 76.8% below UK average
3.2%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
160,304
typical mileage
59,890–308,503 middle half
0.4%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.02
avg MOT failures per car
over 1.1 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2003 Dennis Unknown

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Dennis Unknown

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (100%) 1,721 3.1% 0.02
Petrol (0%) 2 0% 0
Diesel (0%) 1 100% 0

Mileage Distribution

Most 2003 Dennis Unknown vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

59,890
low mileage
160,304
typical
308,503
high mileage

Half of all 2003 Dennis Unknown vehicles fall between 59,890 and 308,503 miles.

2003 Dennis Unknown — Still on the Road

16 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 55% of the peak remain.

10 16 2017 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.

MOT History Averages

1.1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.02
Avg failures per vehicle
0.1
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 2003 Dennis Unknown

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

  • 13.9%
    Oil leak, but not excessive
  • 8.2%
    Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced
  • 6.6%
    Nearside Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced
  • 5.7%
    Offside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced
  • 4.9%
    Nearside Rear Outer Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
  • 4.9%
    Offside Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced
  • 4.1%
    Parking brake efficiency below requirements
  • 4.1%
    Oil leak, but not excessive engine area

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2003. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Dennis Unknown?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Dennis Unknown:

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025