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Official DVLA Record

2003 Toyota Corolla 1.4L Petrol · NA53 GLY

NA53 GLY

2003 Toyota Corolla (1.4L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2003. Recorded mileage 122,603 miles. MOT expired on 18 Jan 2025.

Make & Model
TOYOTA COROLLA
Year / Origin
2003 · Newcastle
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Expired on 18 Jan 2025
Road Tax
Untaxed (23 Jan 2025)
Recorded Mileage
122,603 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
PETROL · 1.4L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 18 Jan 2025
Tax Status
Untaxed
Tax due 23 Jan 2025
Fuel Type
PETROL
Year
2003
Engine
1398cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle's MOT history shows an inconsistent pattern of compliance, with the most recent test on 15 January 2025 resulting in a failure. This failure follows a period of instability where the car failed in January 2023 and again in January 2024. Although the vehicle passed in January 2024, the inability to secure consecutive passes suggests a worsening or highly unstable maintenance trend regarding its ability to meet minimum roadworthiness standards. The recorded mileage of 122,603 miles for a 2003 model indicates an average annual usage of approximately 5,331 miles. While this is low for a vehicle of this age, the MOT records do not provide specific mileage increments for each individual test to confirm whether the car is being driven consistently or sitting idle for long periods. The lack of recorded mileage on the failure entries makes it difficult to track precise wear rates on mechanical components. Because the MOT records show several failures without specific defect descriptions, a physical inspection is necessary to identify the underlying causes of these failures. A buyer should focus on the braking system, suspension components, and exhaust integrity, as these are common areas for failure on older vehicles. Given the age of the car, checking for structural corrosion on the chassis and sills is essential, as the MOT history provides no data regarding the vehicle's structural condition. The absence of specific advisory notes in the provided data means the current state of consumables like tyres, brake pads, and wiper blades remains unknown. The frequent failures suggest that issues are being identified only at the point of testing rather than being addressed proactively. A thorough inspection of the drivetrain and all underside components is required to determine if the recent failure relates to a recurring mechanical issue or a new defect.

NA53 GLY Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT failed on 15/01/2025
  • 122,603 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 3 historical MOT failures
  • 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring brakes items (7 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
35
/ 100 · Poor
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Poor

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.

✗ MOT Expired or Failed
✓ Taxed
✗ Poor MOT pass rate (40%)
! Older vehicle
Experian Provenance Check

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Verified Experian Data

Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for NA53GLY

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Finance
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Write-off
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Salvage
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Imported
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Exported
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Scrapped
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Destruction
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V5C Logbook
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Technical Specifications

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NA53 GLY Mileage History

  1. 13/01/2023119,632 mi
  2. 19/01/2023119,683 mi+51 mi
  3. 04/01/2024121,194 mi+1,511 mi
  4. 08/01/2024121,198 mi+4 mi
  5. 15/01/2025122,603 mi+1,405 mi

Average of roughly 1,480 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

NA53 GLY MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 30 Aug 2026, 11:13
MOT Analysis

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 Toyota Corolla (NA53 GLY) between January 2023 and January 2025.

The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.

The most recent test on 15 January 2025 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (7 issues), Suspension (6 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 10 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: “Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced sill underside (7.1.1 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Brake hose excessively deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))”; “Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural streng”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
55/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,200-£1,500
Mileage
The vehicle has covered 122,603 miles ov...

Our Verdict

Proceed with caution due to the age of this 2003 Toyota Corolla and the recurring pattern of MOT failures immediately preceding successful passes. While the vehicle has passed its most recent tests, the history of initial failures suggests a need for a thorough mechanical inspection.

When inspecting this vehicle, focus on the history of failed tests. The data shows that in 2023, 2024, and 2025, the car failed its initial MOT before passing within a matter of days. You should investigate what repairs were performed to rectify these failures, as the records do not specify the exact defects found during these inspections.

Verify if the vehicle has a comprehensive service history, as MOT records alone do not confirm the mechanical health of the engine or transmission. Given the 1.4-litre engine's age, check for signs of oil leaks or cooling system issues, which are common concerns for high-mileage petrol engines of this era.

As a 2003 model, this Corolla will likely fall into the older VED tax bands based on engine size or emissions, which can be checked via the DVLA. Fuel economy for the 1.4-litre petrol engine is generally moderate, though it will vary significantly based on driving style and the mechanical efficiency of the engine at 122,000 miles.

Insurance costs may be lower due to the vehicle's age, but maintenance costs could be unpredictable. You should budget for regular servicing and potential repairs, as parts for a vehicle of this age may occasionally require sourcing from specialists or breakers if new stock is unavailable.

Prioritise checking the components identified as common failure points for the Corolla model, specifically the headlamps, the engine management light (MIL) system, and the condition of the brake pipes. Since the MOT history does not detail the specific failure reasons for the 2023-2025 period, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is recommended to identify any underlying issues.

Inspect the bodywork for signs of corrosion, particularly around the sills and wheel arches, which are common areas for older vehicles. Ensure that all electrical functions, including the dashboard warning lights, operate correctly and do not illuminate after the engine is started.

This grey 1.4-litre petrol Toyota Corolla, first registered in September 2003, has covered 122,603 miles. Its MOT history shows a consistent pattern of failing an initial test before passing shortly after on subsequent attempts. Given the vehicle's age, potential buyers should weigh the low-cost entry point against the necessity for ongoing maintenance.

The Toyota Corolla is generally regarded as a robust platform, though aggregate data shows common MOT failure points include headlamps, engine MIL, and brake pipes.

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