2003 MG ZT 2.5L Petrol · CE53 DFK
2003 MG ZT (2.5L, petrol). First registered 13 Sept 2003. Recorded mileage 183,699 miles. MOT expired on 15 Oct 2025.
- Make & Model
- MG ZT
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Cardiff
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 15 Oct 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 183,699 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.5L
- 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.
CE53 DFK Key Findings
- 25 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 17/10/2024
- 183,699 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 9 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (13 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
CE53 DFK MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
25 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Mg Zt (CE53 DFK) between October 2006 and October 2024.
The record contains 16 passes and 9 failures.
The most recent test on 17 October 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 9 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (13 issues), Tyres (12 issues), Lighting (12 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Windscreen (4 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 32 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 Front Outer Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Offside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))”; “Nearside Headlamp lens seriously defective misty (4.1.1 (b) (ii))”.
CE53 DFK Mileage History
- 23/10/200623,374 mi
- 27/08/200843,497 mi+20,123 mi
- 27/08/200843,502 mi+5 mi
- 04/08/200950,726 mi+7,224 mi
- 28/06/201150,751 mi+25 mi
- 08/09/201253,586 mi+2,835 mi
- 08/09/201253,586 mi
- 17/07/201460,267 mi+6,681 mi
- 17/07/201561,642 mi+1,375 mi
- 17/07/201561,643 mi+1 mi
- 04/07/201675,891 mi+14,248 mi
- 04/07/201675,891 mi
- 11/07/201794,019 mi+18,128 mi
- 14/07/201794,187 mi+168 mi
- 13/07/2018111,000 mi+16,813 mi
- 01/07/2019126,569 mi+15,569 mi
- 03/07/2019126,569 mi
- 28/08/2020135,335 mi+8,766 mi
- 02/09/2021142,764 mi+7,429 mi
- 13/09/2021142,766 mi+2 mi
- 09/09/2022158,120 mi+15,354 mi
- 09/09/2022158,120 mi
- 13/10/2023170,591 mi+12,471 mi
- 08/10/2024183,699 mi+13,108 mi
- 17/10/2024183,699 mi
Average of roughly 8,914 miles per year across 25 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for MG MG ZT / ZT-T
Our database tracks 5 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: MG ZT
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- ECU Flooding (Blocked Drains)(Serious)
The plenum chamber drains block with leaves, causing water to rise and submerge the engine ECU.
- Front Coil Spring Breakage(Moderate)
The front coil springs are prone to snapping due to fierce corrosion, particularly on UK roads with salt and potholes. This is a common MOT failure.
- K-Series Head Gasket Failure (1.8 Petrol)(Serious)
The 1.8 K-Series petrol engine is prone to head gasket failure if the cooling system is neglected. Symptoms include overheating and oil/coolant mixing.
- Brake Pipe Corrosion(Serious)
The brake pipes can corrode, particularly in areas where road salt is used. This is a serious safety concern and a common MOT failure point.
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MG ZT Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2003 model year cars.
- ECU Flooding (Blocked Drains)Serious
The plenum chamber drains block with leaves, causing water to rise and submerge the engine ECU.
- Front Coil Spring BreakageModerate
The front coil springs are prone to snapping due to fierce corrosion, particularly on UK roads with salt and potholes. This is a common MOT failure.
- K-Series Head Gasket Failure (1.8 Petrol)Serious
The 1.8 K-Series petrol engine is prone to head gasket failure if the cooling system is neglected. Symptoms include overheating and oil/coolant mixing.
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