2003 MG ZR diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel MG ZR first registered in 2003 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 172 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 172 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2003 MG ZR diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2003 MG ZR diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes40% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics38% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension34% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres29% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Oil and fluid leaks26% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Rust and bodywork20% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 MG ZR diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at an MG ZR?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the MG ZR compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 149 | Lights and electrics 40% |
| 2005 | 1,256 | Suspension 34% |
| 2004 | 2,017 | Lights and electrics 31% |
| 2002 | 792 | Brakes 33% |
| 2001 | 231 | Brakes 35% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of MG ZR cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score