2003 MG ZT · 1,142 MOT tests
2003 MG ZT reliability
2003 MG ZTs fail 38.3% of first MOT tests, 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 3 ZT years (1,142 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all MG ZTs: 35.1%)
- 38.3%
- first-time fail rate (all MG ZTs: 35.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 10% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 96,488
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,142
- 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: 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 6.8% of tests fail here (125% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 37% 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 ZT
Fail rate by area
- Suspension17.4%
- Lights and electrics15%
- Brakes14.1%
- Seat belts and airbags6.8%
- Body, chassis and structure5.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 5.08%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 4.38%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.85%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 3.42%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 3.24%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 2.89%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (19.35%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (12.52%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.21%) · Suspension arm showing corrosion (7.71%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.87%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (5.43%)
Other years
Every MG ZT year
The full picture: MG ZT reliability. Before you pay for any MG ZT, 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 ZT reliable?
2003 MG ZTs fail 38.3% of first MOT tests, 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 3 ZT years (1,142 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 MG ZT MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (5.08% of tests), airbag warning lamp shows fault (4.38% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (3.85% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 MG ZT have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 MG ZT shows 96,488 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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