2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 MG ZT MOT pass rate and common faults

287 MOT tests in 2024. 64.5% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

113Well above average
Passed first time64.5%
Failed or needed repairs35.5%
Typical mileage at test97,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 287 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.9%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.8%
  3. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened2.8%
  4. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.8%
  5. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.4%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4%
    7 marked dangerous
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.1%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.1%
  9. Headlamp aim: too low2.1%
  10. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics20.6%
  2. Suspension19.5%
  3. Brakes16.0%
  4. Emissions & leaks7.3%
  5. Body & chassis5.9%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.6%
  7. Tyres4.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded20.2%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.9%
  4. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened9.8%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.0%

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: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

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

In 2024, 64.5% of 2003 MG ZT cars passed their MOT first time, across 287 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

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

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 MG ZT reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 113, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).