2003 MG ZR 1.8L Petrol · CE53 FWX
2003 MG ZR (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2003. Recorded mileage 19,548 miles. MOT valid until 08 Sept 2027.
- Make & Model
- MG ZR
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Cardiff
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 08 Sept 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 19,548 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- 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 FWX Key Findings
- 30 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 24/08/2026
- 19,548 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 9 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring bodywork & corrosion items (27 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
CE53 FWX MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
30 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Mg Zr (CE53 FWX) between August 2006 and August 2026.
The record contains 21 passes and 9 failures.
The most recent test on 24 August 2026 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: Bodywork (27 issues), Brakes (21 issues), Lighting (11 issues), Tyres (10 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (9 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 64 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 Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural stre”; “Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (1.6 (b))”; “Rear Registration plate inscription illegible (0.1 (b))”.
CE53 FWX Mileage History
- 29/08/20062,938 mi
- 29/08/20073,605 mi+667 mi
- 29/08/20073,605 mi
- 27/08/20084,650 mi+1,045 mi
- 27/08/20095,415 mi+765 mi
- 25/08/20106,079 mi+664 mi
- 24/08/20116,773 mi+694 mi
- 24/08/20116,773 mi
- 22/08/20127,810 mi+1,037 mi
- 28/08/20139,330 mi+1,520 mi
- 27/08/201410,914 mi+1,584 mi
- 27/08/201512,221 mi+1,307 mi
- 27/08/201512,221 mi
- 23/08/201613,243 mi+1,022 mi
- 24/08/201714,216 mi+973 mi
- 30/08/201815,134 mi+918 mi
- 29/08/201915,929 mi+795 mi
- 10/09/201915,930 mi+1 mi
- 20/08/202016,410 mi+480 mi
- 20/08/202016,410 mi
- 26/08/202116,819 mi+409 mi
- 31/08/202217,316 mi+497 mi
- 31/08/202217,316 mi
- 29/08/202317,850 mi+534 mi
- 30/08/202317,850 mi
- 28/08/202418,497 mi+647 mi
- 28/08/202418,497 mi
- 14/08/202519,032 mi+535 mi
- 28/08/202519,064 mi+32 mi
- 24/08/202619,548 mi+484 mi
Average of roughly 831 miles per year across 30 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for MG MG ZR
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: 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 ZR
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- K-Series Head Gasket Failure (HGF)(Serious)
The K-Series engine is prone to head gasket failure due to its small coolant capacity and plastic locating dowels that allow the head to shift.
- SCU / BCU Failure (Pektron)(Moderate)
Later models (2003+) use a Pektron SCU that controls windows, fobs, and wipers. It is notorious for relay failure.
- Worn Front Suspension(Moderate)
The front suspension bushes and ball joints wear out, leading to vague steering, knocking noises, and poor handling. This is a common MOT failure point and can be exacerbated by hard driving.
- Coil Pack Failure(Moderate)
The ignition coil pack is known for failing on the ZR, causing misfires, rough running, and difficulty starting.
- Door Lock Failure(Moderate)
The door lock actuators, particularly on the driver's door, are known to fail, making it difficult to lock or unlock the car.
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MG ZR 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.
- K-Series Head Gasket Failure (HGF)Serious
The K-Series engine is prone to head gasket failure due to its small coolant capacity and plastic locating dowels that allow the head to shift.
- SCU / BCU Failure (Pektron)Moderate
Later models (2003+) use a Pektron SCU that controls windows, fobs, and wipers. It is notorious for relay failure.
- Worn Front SuspensionModerate
The front suspension bushes and ball joints wear out, leading to vague steering, knocking noises, and poor handling. This is a common MOT failure point and can be exacerbated by hard driving.
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