2003 Citroen Saxo MOT pass rate: 63.7% (2,422 tests)
Is the 2003 Saxo getting worse?
Pass rate of 2003-registered cars across recent test years:
| Test year | Pass rate | |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 63.4% -1.1 vs same-age |
|
| 2024 | 63.8% -1.0 vs same-age |
|
| 2025 | 64.1% -2.0 vs same-age |
The raw rate normally falls as cars age. The “vs same-age” figure compares this cohort with all UK cars registered in the same year, so normal ageing is not mistaken for a bad model year.
What fails on a 2003 Saxo
| # | System | Defects recorded | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 733 | 21.5% |
| 2 | Brakes | 684 | 20.1% |
| 3 | Body, chassis, structure | 511 | 15.0% |
| 4 | Suspension | 469 | 13.8% |
| 5 | Noise, emissions and leaks | 344 | 10.1% |
| 6 | Visibility | 225 | 6.6% |
All Saxo years compared
| Registration year | Tests | Pass rate | Vs same-age | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 2,791 | 63.6% | -3.0 pts | 71,756 |
| 2002 | 2,824 | 61.7% | -4.0 pts | 71,512 |
| 2003 (this page) | 2,422 | 63.7% | -1.3 pts | 71,097 |
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FAQs
Is a 2003 Citroen Saxo reliable?
2003-registered examples passed 63.7% of their MOT tests (2,422 tests, 2023–2025), -1.3 points versus all UK cars registered in the same year. At roughly 23 years old with a median 71,097 miles, condition now varies car by car — always check the individual MOT history.
What mileage is too high for a 2003 Saxo?
The median tested example shows 71,097 miles. Anything far beyond that isn't automatically bad — a motorway-mile car with consistent service records often beats a low-mileage school-run car — but price accordingly and scrutinise the mileage trail for gaps or drops.
Source: DVSA Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023–2025 extracts (96 million Class 4 initial tests; retests excluded). Only vehicles old enough for a routine first MOT are included. Age-adjusted figures compare the model-year cohort with all vehicles of the same registration year tested in the same calendar year. Contains public sector information licensed under OGL v3.0.