Suzuki Grand Vitara (2003)
2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
CarHunch analysed 7,361 real MOT records for the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2003 Grand Vitara falls slightly below the UK average with a 77.9% first-time pass rate, and nearly 28% of these vehicles have recorded dangerous defects—a meaningful concern for any buyer. Petrol versions perform marginally better at 78.4% versus 76.4% for diesel, though neither is a standout figure.
At just over 64,000 miles median mileage for a 21-year-old car, these are relatively low-mileage examples, which explains why they average nearly 4 failures per test—age-related wear rather than heavy use. With 23 advisories per vehicle on average, expect a long list of minor niggles; before buying, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on suspension, brakes, and fluid leaks, as these older Suzukis tend to accumulate exactly those issues.
Petrol vs Diesel
Pass rate difference of 2 percentage points — worth knowing if you're choosing between the two.
What to check before buying a 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
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.
- ⚠️ 27.6% 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (75%) | 5,506 | 78.4% | 3.92 |
| Diesel (25%) | 1,842 | 76.4% | 4.18 |
| LPG (0%) | 10 | 79.6% | 3.6 |
| Other (0%) | 2 | 75% | 0.5 |
| Gas Bi-Fuel (0%) | 1 | 81.8% | 2 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara vehicles fall between 48,993 and 78,810 miles.
2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 1,037 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (18% 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
Found a specific Suzuki Grand Vitara?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.