2003 Citroën Saxo · 3,058 MOT tests
2003 Citroën Saxo reliability
2003 Citroën Saxos fail 45.2% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 4 Saxo years (3,058 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Citroën Saxos: 46.3%)
- 45.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Citroën Saxos: 46.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 16% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 71,547
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,058
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 22% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 16.9% of tests fail here (118% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: suspension, 9% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Citroën Saxo
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics21.1%
- Body, chassis and structure16.9%
- Brakes16%
- Suspension12.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.9%
- Steering6.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 6.38%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Stop lamp not working 5.76%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Position lamp not working 5.2%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Steering rack gaiter no longer sealed 5.17%
A damaged gaiter lets dirt into the steering rack, causing wear and possibly costly repairs later.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 5.07%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Service brakes uneven across an axle 4.81%
One wheel is braking much less than its pair, so the car may pull to one side and stop poorly.
Common advisories
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (13.44%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (11.48%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.42%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.31%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (6.83%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (6.61%)
Other years
Every Citroën Saxo year
The full picture: Citroën Saxo reliability. Before you pay for any Citroën Saxo, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2003 Citroën Saxo reliable?
2003 Citroën Saxos fail 45.2% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 4 Saxo years (3,058 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Citroën Saxo MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (6.38% of tests), stop lamp not working (5.76% of tests), position lamp not working (5.2% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Citroën Saxo have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Citroën Saxo shows 71,547 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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