2003 MG ZS petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.7× usual
  MG ZS

  16.8% All 2003 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.1%, 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.

• Braking performance2× usual
  MG ZS

  14.5% All 2003 cars

  7.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 3.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Chassis rust or damage2.2× usual
  MG ZS

  7.8% All 2003 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Body structure rust or damage2.1× usual
  MG ZS

  6.4% All 2003 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

Common 2003 MG ZS petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Brakes
  47% 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
  40% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  26% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  23% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  17% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  12% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 MG ZS 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 2.7× as often on the 2003 MG ZS petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2003 MG ZS petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2003 MG ZS petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?