2003 MG ZS · 1,058 MOT tests
2003 MG ZS reliability
2003 MG ZSs fail 42% of first MOT tests, 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 7 ZS years (1,058 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all MG ZSs: 18.3%)
- 42%
- first-time fail rate (all MG ZSs: 18.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 3% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 83,555
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,058
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 5% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 14.7% of tests fail here (76% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 46% 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 ZS
Fail rate by area
- Brakes19%
- Body, chassis and structure14.7%
- Lights and electrics14.2%
- Suspension13.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.1%
- Tyres5.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 8.22%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 6.24%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.25%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Stop lamp not working 3.59%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 3.31%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Service brake excessively binding 3.21%
A brake that drags when released can overheat, wear quickly and waste fuel, so it needs prompt inspection.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (19.38%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (12.29%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (11.91%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.26%) · Suspension mounting area showing corrosion (8.6%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.75%)
Is a 2003 MG ZS reliable?
2003 MG ZSs fail 42% of first MOT tests, 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 7 ZS years (1,058 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 MG ZS MOT?
Most often parking brake efficiency below minimum (8.22% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (6.24% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (4.25% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 MG ZS have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 MG ZS shows 83,555 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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