Fiat Stilo (2003)
2003 Fiat Stilo
CarHunch analysed 11,974 real MOT records for the 2003 Fiat Stilo. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2003 Fiat Stilo has a first-time pass rate of 67.6%, significantly below the UK average of 80%, and a third of these cars have recorded dangerous defects at some point—a genuine safety concern for potential buyers. Petrol versions fare marginally better at 68.1% pass rate versus diesel at 66.3%, though the difference is modest.
These Stilos are now over 20 years old and carrying around 58,000 miles on the median, yet they're accumulating 4.5 failures and nearly 16 advisories per test, suggesting systematic wear across multiple systems rather than isolated problems. Before buying one, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on suspension, brakes, and cooling systems, as the high advisory count points to age-related deterioration across the board.
Petrol vs Diesel
Pass rate difference of 1.8 percentage points — worth knowing if you're choosing between the two.
What to check before buying a 2003 Fiat Stilo
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.
- ⚠️ 33.4% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 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 Fiat Stilo
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (75%) | 9,036 | 68.1% | 4.34 |
| Diesel (24%) | 2,933 | 66.3% | 4.95 |
| LPG (0%) | 5 | 60.3% | 5 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2003 Fiat Stilo 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.
Half of all 2003 Fiat Stilo vehicles fall between 46,457 and 70,724 miles.
2003 Fiat Stilo — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 365 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2021 (6% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2021.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2003 Fiat Stilo
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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82.2%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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81.4%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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64.1%
Rear Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated
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63.8%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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54.4%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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45.1%
Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm
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44.6%
Oil leak
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40.9%
Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2003. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Fiat Stilo?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.