2003 Rover 45 1.6L Petrol · BU03 AUR
2003 Rover 45 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2003. Recorded mileage 71,958 miles. MOT expired on 02 Oct 2014.
- Make & Model
- ROVER 45
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Birmingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 02 Oct 2014
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (28 Feb 2014)
- Recorded Mileage
- 71,958 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
BU03 AUR Key Findings
- 13 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 27/09/2013
- 71,958 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 4 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
BU03 AUR MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
13 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Rover 45 (BU03 AUR) between March 2006 and September 2013.
The record contains 9 passes and 4 failures.
The most recent test on 27 September 2013 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 4 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (7 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Bodywork (4 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 11 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Rear Trailing arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of d”; “Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)”; “Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)”.
BU03 AUR Mileage History
- 06/03/200619,927 mi
- 06/03/200726,953 mi+7,026 mi
- 07/03/200832,907 mi+5,954 mi
- 04/03/200939,351 mi+6,444 mi
- 05/05/201047,209 mi+7,858 mi
- 11/05/201155,985 mi+8,776 mi
- 11/05/201155,985 mi
- 15/05/201268,080 mi+12,095 mi
- 16/05/201268,116 mi+36 mi
- 01/10/201268,310 mi+194 mi
- 03/10/201268,312 mi+2 mi
- 27/09/201371,958 mi+3,646 mi
- 27/09/201371,958 mi
Average of roughly 6,880 miles per year across 13 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Rover Rover 45
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Common Problems: ROVER 45
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- K-Series Head Gasket Failure(Serious)
Applies to 1.4, 1.6, and 1.8 models. Standard K-Series symptoms and fixes apply.
- Water Ingress (Bulkhead Seam Failure)(Moderate)
The seam sealer on the bulkhead cracks with age, allowing water into the front passenger footwell. Leaks under the carpet are usually from seam failure, while leaks on top enter through the heater blower inlet.
- VIS Motor Failure (V6)(Moderate)
The 2.0 V6 uses Variable Intake System motors that fail, leading to reduced performance and a rattling intake manifold.
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ROVER 45 Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2003 model year cars.
- K-Series Head Gasket FailureSerious
Applies to 1.4, 1.6, and 1.8 models. Standard K-Series symptoms and fixes apply.
- Water Ingress (Bulkhead Seam Failure)Moderate
The seam sealer on the bulkhead cracks with age, allowing water into the front passenger footwell. Leaks under the carpet are usually from seam failure, while leaks on top enter through the heater blower inlet.
- VIS Motor Failure (V6)Moderate
The 2.0 V6 uses Variable Intake System motors that fail, leading to reduced performance and a rattling intake manifold.
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