2003 MG ZT petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Suspension arm2.6× usual
  MG ZT

  8.3% All 2003 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Airbag warning light3.3× usual
  MG ZT

  5% All 2003 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Link ball joint covers2.4× usual
  MG ZT

  5.5% All 2003 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2003 MG ZT petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  41% 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.

• Brakes
  41% 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 electrics
  27% 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
  21% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Exhaust and emissions
  9% 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 ZT 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 suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2003 MG ZT petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the airbag warning light? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2003 MG ZT petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2003 MG ZT petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?