Perodua

Perodua Kenari (2003)

301 real MOT outcomes analysed • 75.2% first-time pass rate

2003 Perodua Kenari

CarHunch analysed 301 real MOT records for the 2003 Perodua Kenari. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 301 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

The 2003 Perodua Kenari falls short of the UK average with a 75.2% first-time pass rate, and nearly a quarter of these cars (23.9%) have recorded dangerous defects—a genuine concern for safety-conscious buyers. At 21 years old, the median mileage of 37,532 is reasonable, but these vehicles are averaging 3.55 failures and 12.7 advisories per test, suggesting widespread wear across multiple systems rather than isolated problems.

This is a high-mileage cohort hiding behind a modest median figure—some examples are well over 60,000 miles—and the sheer number of advisories signals that running costs and repairs will be frequent. If you're considering one, budget for brake, suspension, and electrical work, and always commission a pre-purchase inspection focused on structural corrosion and steering geometry, as these are typical weak points at this age.

The 2003 Perodua Kenari passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (75.2%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
75.2%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
23.9%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
3.55
Over 14 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
38k
Middle half: 28k–49k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 12.7 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 301 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 301 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 58.5%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 29.3%
Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded · Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded · Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Exhaust & emissions 23.1%
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits
Other issues 21.3%
Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' · Oil leak
Lighting 20.2%
Offside Stop lamp not working
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Wipers & washers 18.8%
Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2003.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 301 Perodua Kenari cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2003 Perodua Kenari

Based on MOT data from 301 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 23.9% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (100%) 300 75.2% 3.56

Colour Breakdown

Based on 1,966 Perodua Kenari vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Silver 31.4%
617
Gold 27.6%
542
Blue 18.7%
368
Green 12.5%
245
Grey 9.2%
181
Purple 0.4%
7
Beige 0.3%
6

Mileage Distribution

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

37,532
typical
28,405
low mileage
49,083
high mileage

Half of all 2003 Perodua Kenari vehicles fall between 28,405 and 49,083 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 28,405 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
28,405–49,083 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2003 Perodua Kenaris sit.
Over 66,262 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2003 Perodua Kenari — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 9% of 2003 Perodua Kenaris are still active.

Numbers are declining — 19 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (9% of peak).

212 19 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

14
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
3.55
Avg failures per vehicle
12.7
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Perodua Kenari: All Kenari years → Which year to buy? →
2001 2002 2004 2005 2006

Or browse all models: Perodua →

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Average reliability — agree?