2003 MG ZR petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 MG ZR petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 MG ZR petrol than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings1.8× usual
  MG ZR

  11.1% All 2003 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 3.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints1.7× usual
  MG ZR

  11.4% All 2003 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Battery3.6× usual
  MG ZR

  4.7% All 2003 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the car starts cleanly and there are no warning lights once running.

Common 2003 MG ZR petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 MG ZR petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  30% 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.

• Suspension
  28% 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.

• Tyres
  27% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  25% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Exhaust and emissions
  17% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  13% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 MG ZR petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2003 MG ZR petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2003 MG ZR petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the battery? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2003 MG ZR petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?