2003 Rover 45 · 1,800 MOT tests
2003 Rover 45 reliability
2003 Rover 45s fail 42.8% of first MOT tests, 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 4 45 years (1,800 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Rover 45s: 43.9%)
- 42.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Rover 45s: 43.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 9% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 74,872
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,800
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 16.4% of tests fail here (110% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 24% 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 Rover 45
Fail rate by area
- Body, chassis and structure16.4%
- Suspension15.3%
- Lights and electrics15.1%
- Brakes13.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.1%
- Tyres6.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 7.78%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 7.67%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Stop lamp not working 5.17%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.17%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Exhaust has major gas leak 3.06%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.94%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (16.28%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.28%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (10.94%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (9.28%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.17%) · Suspension mounting area showing corrosion (8.39%)
Other years
Every Rover 45 year
The full picture: Rover 45 reliability. Before you pay for any Rover 45, 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 Rover 45 reliable?
2003 Rover 45s fail 42.8% of first MOT tests, 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 4 45 years (1,800 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Rover 45 MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (7.78% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (7.67% of tests), stop lamp not working (5.17% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Rover 45 have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Rover 45 shows 74,872 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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