Mazda Mpv (2003)
2003 Mazda Mpv
CarHunch analysed 505 real MOT records for the 2003 Mazda Mpv. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2003 Mazda MPV has a first-time MOT pass rate of 73.1%, which trails the UK average of 80% by a meaningful margin, and a concerning 24.2% of these vehicles have recorded dangerous defects during their MOT history. Petrol and diesel variants perform almost identically (72.7% and 73.4% respectively), so fuel choice won't meaningfully improve your odds of a trouble-free test.
At 70,000 miles median, these MPVs show typical wear for their age, yet they're averaging 3.6 failures and 16.7 advisories per test—suggesting structural or component issues beyond normal aging. Before buying, get a full pre-purchase inspection focused on braking systems and suspension, and factor in above-average repair costs; this generation needs more attention than the typical 20-year-old family car.
What to check before buying a 2003 Mazda Mpv
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.
- ⚠️ 24.2% 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 Mazda Mpv
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (65%) | 329 | 73.4% | 3.5 |
| Petrol (35%) | 176 | 72.7% | 3.8 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2003 Mazda Mpv 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 Mazda Mpv vehicles fall between 57,714 and 89,804 miles.
2003 Mazda Mpv — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 20 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (7% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2003 Mazda Mpv
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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71.6%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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67.9%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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55%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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46.8%
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement
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45.4%
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement
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45.3%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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41.4%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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36.1%
Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2003. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Mazda Mpv?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.