Used car guide

2003 Perodua Kelisa: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Perodua Kelisa first registered in 2003: we looked at the 126 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 126 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

126MOTs of 2003 cars, done in 2023–2025
55%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 57%)
2,100typical miles a year
37%had suspension flagged

Common 2003 Perodua Kelisa MOT failures and advisories

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

  • Suspension
    37% 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.

  • 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.

  • Brakes
    29% 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.

  • 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    21% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    18% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Perodua Kelisa

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Perodua Kelisa?

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 Perodua Kelisa compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2009–Too few tests
2008151Tyres 28%
2007133Tyres 31%
2006196Tyres 33%
2005167Suspension 33%
2004139Tyres 40%
2002101Suspension 41%

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