Used car guide

2003 Citroen Saxo: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Citroen Saxos, from 664 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

664MOT tests in 2025
55%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
3,200typical miles a year
3.1×the usual rate for brakes pulling to one side

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 Citroen Saxos than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Brakes pulling to one side3.1× usual
    Citroen Saxo
    6.2% All 2003 cars
    2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 1.5% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

  • Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.3× usual
    Citroen Saxo
    6.8% All 2003 cars
    3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Steering rack2.9× usual
    Citroen Saxo
    5% All 2003 cars
    1.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 0.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Transmission oil leaks2.5× usual
    Citroen Saxo
    4.5% All 2003 cars
    1.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Better than most

Rigid brake pipes: 6.8% here, against 18.3% of all 2003 cars. Headlights: 3.3% here, against 12.1% of all 2003 cars.

By area

The share of 2003 Citroen Saxo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    33% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    32% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Suspension
    30% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Tyres
    28% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    20% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    19% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2002727Brakes 35%
2001769Brakes 37%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Citroen Saxos registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score