2003 MINI Hatch · 53,837 MOT tests
2003 MINI Hatch reliability
2003 MINI Hatchs fail 46.1% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 21 Hatch years (53,837 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all MINI Hatchs: 25.6%)
- 46.1%
- first-time fail rate (all MINI Hatchs: 25.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 6% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 105,411
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 53,837
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: about average for its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- 2004 cars: 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: steering, 6.7% of tests fail here (58% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 40% 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 MINI Hatch
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics26.4%
- Brakes17.1%
- Suspension13.4%
- Body, chassis and structure12.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.3%
- Tyres6.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 6.33%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Position lamp not working 5.43%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
CV joint boot split or insecure 5.21%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 4.5%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Headlamp aim set too low 4.19%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 3.87%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (24.82%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (21.27%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.48%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (12.56%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.48%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.41%)
Other years
Every MINI Hatch year
The full picture: MINI Hatch reliability. Before you pay for any MINI Hatch, 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 MINI Hatch reliable?
2003 MINI Hatchs fail 46.1% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 21 Hatch years (53,837 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 MINI Hatch MOT?
Most often headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (6.33% of tests), position lamp not working (5.43% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (5.21% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 MINI Hatch have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 MINI Hatch shows 105,411 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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