2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Rover 45 MOT pass rate and common faults

399 MOT tests in 2024. 58.1% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

102About average
Passed first time58.1%
Failed or needed repairs41.9%
Typical mileage at test75,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 399 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.8%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.8%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.8%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.5%
    30 marked dangerous
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.3%
  6. Stop lamp: not working3.0%
  7. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.0%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.8%
  9. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.8%
  10. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes20.1%
  2. Body & chassis18.0%
  3. Lights & electrics17.3%
  4. Suspension16.3%
  5. Emissions & leaks9.0%
  6. Tyres6.8%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.3%
  8. Steering3.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded17.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.5%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.8%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.8%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn9.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. 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 Rover 45?

In 2024, 58.1% of 2003 Rover 45 cars passed their MOT first time, across 399 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Rover 45?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2003 Rover 45 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).