2003 Rover 45 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Rover 45 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Rover 45 diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.3× usual
  Rover 45

  20.2% All 2003 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.7%, 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.1× usual
  Rover 45

  18% All 2003 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 1.9% 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.

Common 2003 Rover 45 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Rover 45 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  51% 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
  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.

• Tyres
  35% 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
  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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  20% 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.

• 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Rover 45 diesel

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 3.3× as often on the 2003 Rover 45 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2003 Rover 45 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?