2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 MG TF MOT pass rate and common faults

2,614 MOT tests in 2024. 67.1% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

117Well above average
Passed first time67.1%
Failed or needed repairs32.9%
Typical mileage at test60,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,614 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements6.5%
  2. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened3.1%
  3. Horn: not working2.8%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.7%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.5%
  6. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.3%
  7. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.1%
  8. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements2.1%
  9. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.0%
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.8%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Brakes23.0%
  2. Lights & electrics14.2%
  3. Suspension13.7%
  4. Emissions & leaks12.1%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.4%
  6. Body & chassis4.6%
  7. Tyres4.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.7%
  2. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened9.3%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.3%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine8.3%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded8.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2002 TFAll TF years2004 TF →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 MG TF?

In 2024, 67.1% of 2003 MG TF cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,614 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 MG TF?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened; horn: not working. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2003 MG TF reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 117, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).