2003 MG TF · 9,672 MOT tests
2003 MG TF reliability
2003 MG TFs fail 32.6% of first MOT tests, 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 6 TF years (9,672 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all MG TFs: 30.8%)
- 32.6%
- first-time fail rate (all MG TFs: 30.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 11% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 60,265
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 9,672
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- 2004 cars: 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 8.2% of tests fail here (57% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 41% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 MG TF
Fail rate by area
- Brakes12.3%
- Lights and electrics11.3%
- Suspension10.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks8.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7%
- Body, chassis and structure4.1%
- Tyres3.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 5.46%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Horn not working 3.13%
A non-working horn removes a key warning tool for other road users, so it must be repaired before driving.
Suspension arm corroded and weakened 2.67%
A corroded suspension arm can fail, causing loss of wheel control, so it needs immediate inspection and repair.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.5%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 2.38%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 2.16%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (13.12%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.28%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (7.69%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.06%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (6.8%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.64%)
Is a 2003 MG TF reliable?
2003 MG TFs fail 32.6% of first MOT tests, 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 6 TF years (9,672 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 MG TF MOT?
Most often parking brake efficiency below minimum (5.46% of tests), horn not working (3.13% of tests), suspension arm corroded and weakened (2.67% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 MG TF have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 MG TF shows 60,265 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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