2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 MG ZR MOT pass rate and common faults

502 MOT tests in 2024. 64.1% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

112Well above average
Passed first time64.1%
Failed or needed repairs35.9%
Typical mileage at test84,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 502 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.0%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.0%
  3. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.6%
  4. Rear fog lamp: not working2.6%
  5. Service brake imbalance: across an axle2.6%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.6%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.4%
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.4%
  9. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps2.2%
  10. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.2%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics23.5%
  2. Brakes18.7%
  3. Body & chassis12.7%
  4. Emissions & leaks10.4%
  5. Suspension9.0%
  6. Tyres5.0%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.6%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.0%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.0%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.0%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.8%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded8.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 MG ZR?

In 2024, 64.1% of 2003 MG ZR cars passed their MOT first time, across 502 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 MG ZR?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; service brake performance: excessively binding. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 MG ZR reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 112, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).