Used car guide

2003 Mazda Demio: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Mazda Demio first registered in 2003: we looked at the 191 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 191 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

191MOTs of 2003 cars, done in 2023–2025
49%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 57%)
3,200typical miles a year
4.8×the usual rate for rust around suspension or steering mountings

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Mazda Demio?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Mazda Demio than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings4.8× usual
    Mazda Demio
    29.8% All 2003 cars
    6.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 16.2%, against 3.1% 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.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints2.9× usual
    Mazda Demio
    19.4% All 2003 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 9.9%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2003 Mazda Demio MOT failures and advisories

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

  • Suspension
    57% 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
    30% 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.

  • Brakes
    30% 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
    27% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Driveshafts and joints
    20% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

  • Rust and bodywork
    15% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Mazda Demio

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2003 Mazda Demio as on other cars the same age.)
  2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2003 Mazda Demio as on other cars the same age.)
  3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Mazda Demio?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Mazda Demio compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2010–Too few tests
2009–Too few tests
2008–Too few tests
2002382Suspension 51%
2001334Suspension 48%
2000416Suspension 54%
1999206Suspension 51%
1998–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mazda Demio cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score