2003 MG ZT-T petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol MG ZT-T first registered in 2003 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 256 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 256 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 ZT-T petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2003 MG ZT-T petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension46% 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.
- Brakes41% 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 electrics29% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres25% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions12% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors10% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 MG ZT-T petrol
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 ZT-T?
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 ZT-T compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 107 | Suspension 42% |
| 2005 | 466 | Suspension 47% |
| 2004 | 859 | Brakes 42% |
| 2002 | 262 | Suspension 47% |
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 ZT-T cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score