2003 Rover 25 diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Rover 25 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 Rover 25 diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2003 Rover 25 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes37% 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 electrics34% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension32% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks30% 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.
- Tyres24% 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 emissions17% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Rover 25 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 a Rover 25?
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 Rover 25 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 145 | Suspension 43% |
| 2005 | 1,129 | Lights and electrics 33% |
| 2004 | 1,698 | Suspension 33% |
| 2002 | 1,767 | Brakes 32% |
| 2001 | 1,812 | Brakes 33% |
| 2000 | 1,162 | Brakes 34% |
| 1999 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Rover 25 cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score