2003 Volkswagen Passat 1.9L Diesel · GD03 OBX
2003 Volkswagen Passat (1.9L, diesel). First registered 09 Jul 2003. Recorded mileage 141,333 miles. MOT expired on 03 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Jan 2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Maidstone
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 03 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jan 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 141,333 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
GD03 OBX Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/10/2025
- 141,333 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
GD03 OBX MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Volkswagen Passat (GD03 OBX) between October 2022 and October 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 03 October 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (6 issues), Brakes (5 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 11 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Outer Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))”.
GD03 OBX Mileage History
- 03/10/2022134,233 mi
- 04/10/2022134,233 mi
- 04/10/2023136,949 mi+2,716 mi
- 04/10/2024139,411 mi+2,462 mi
- 03/10/2025141,333 mi+1,922 mi
Average of roughly 2,366 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution and a thorough mech
When viewing this Passat, pay close attention to the rear braking system. The MOT history shows consistent advisories for pitted or scored brake discs and thinning pads between 2023 and 2024. Ensure that any work claimed to have been done to address these advisories is documented with receipts.
Check the condition of all exterior lighting. The records indicate a recurring issue with faded lamp lenses on both the nearside and offside rear clusters. You should also verify that the track rod end issue noted in the 2022 failure has been fully rectified and that the steering feels tight and responsive during a test drive.
As a 1.9L diesel, this Passat is likely to offer decent fuel economy, though actual costs will depend on maintenance and driving style. Tax and insurance groups for a 2003 model are typically moderate, making it relatively affordable to run for a large family car.
Expect maintenance costs to reflect its age and mileage. While the 1.9 TDI engine is known for longevity, parts such as brake discs, pads, and suspension components (like the track rod end seen in the 2022 failure) will be standard recurring expenses. An estimated annual running cost is approximately £1,100-£1,400, including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine servicing.
Specifically inspect the rear brake assembly. The MOT history from 2023 and 2024 highlights worn, pitted, or scored rear brake discs and thinning pads. Check for any signs of recent replacement or excessive surface corrosion.
Examine the rear light clusters for significant fading or cracking, as this has been a consistent advisory item for this specific vehicle. Additionally, given the 2022 failure for excessive play in the offside front track rod end, it is wise to inspect the front suspension and steering linkage for any signs of wear or play.
This 2003 blue Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI has covered 141,333 miles as of its last MOT in October 2025. The MOT history shows a pattern of advisories related to rear brake discs, pads, and faded light clusters over the last three years. While it has avoided major failures recently, the mileage is higher than the model average of 9,806 miles per year.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 80% MOT pass rate, with common failures involving headlamps, tyres, and drive shaft joints.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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