2003 SEAT Arosa · 1,976 MOT tests
2003 SEAT Arosa reliability
2003 SEAT Arosas fail 43.4% of first MOT tests, 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 3 Arosa years (1,976 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all SEAT Arosas: 42.1%)
- 43.4%
- first-time fail rate (all SEAT Arosas: 42.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 10% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 75,928
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,976
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- 2004 cars: 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 9.2% of tests fail here (47% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 36% 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 SEAT Arosa
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics22.7%
- Suspension13.6%
- Brakes11.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.2%
- Body, chassis and structure9.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.4%
- Tyres6.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 4.1%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Exhaust has major gas leak 3.69%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3.64%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 3.59%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Stop lamp not working 3.54%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 3.29%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Common advisories
Exhaust has minor gas leak (12.8%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.3%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.78%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.58%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (10.07%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (9.92%)
Other years
Every SEAT Arosa year
The full picture: SEAT Arosa reliability. Before you pay for any SEAT Arosa, 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 SEAT Arosa reliable?
2003 SEAT Arosas fail 43.4% of first MOT tests, 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 3 Arosa years (1,976 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 SEAT Arosa MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (4.1% of tests), exhaust has major gas leak (3.69% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (3.64% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 SEAT Arosa have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 SEAT Arosa shows 75,928 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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