2003 MG ZR · 1,952 MOT tests
2003 MG ZR reliability
2003 MG ZRs fail 37.3% of first MOT tests, 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 4 ZR years (1,952 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all MG ZRs: 37.5%)
- 37.3%
- first-time fail rate (all MG ZRs: 37.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 7% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 82,750
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,952
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 12.3% of tests fail here (50% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: suspension, 42% 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 ZR
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics16.2%
- Body, chassis and structure12.3%
- Brakes11.9%
- Suspension8.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.1%
- Tyres5.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 5.48%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 4.25%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.87%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Position lamp not working 2.87%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Exhaust has major gas leak 2.77%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Rear fog lamp not working 2.36%
A failed rear fog lamp reduces visibility in fog and leaves you less visible to following traffic, so repair it.
Common advisories
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (11.32%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (10.25%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.68%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (7.74%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (7.43%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.22%)
Other years
Every MG ZR year
The full picture: MG ZR reliability. Before you pay for any MG ZR, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2003 MG ZR reliable?
2003 MG ZRs fail 37.3% of first MOT tests, 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 4 ZR years (1,952 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 MG ZR MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (5.48% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (4.25% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.87% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 MG ZR have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 MG ZR shows 82,750 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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