2003 MG TF 1.6L Petrol · DB53 DAN
2003 MG TF (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2003. Recorded mileage 52,475 miles. MOT valid until 24 Jan 2027.
- Make & Model
- MG TF
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Chester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 24 Jan 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 52,475 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.
DB53 DAN Key Findings
- 23 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 24/01/2026
- 52,475 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (15 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
DB53 DAN MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
23 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Mg Tf (DB53 DAN) between January 2007 and January 2026.
The record contains 21 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 24 January 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (15 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 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: “brake disc excessively scored (3.5.1h)”; “brake disc excessively pitted (3.5.1h)”; “Brakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b)”.
DB53 DAN Mileage History
- 19/01/200714,941 mi
- 19/01/200714,941 mi
- 14/01/200818,812 mi+3,871 mi
- 14/01/200818,812 mi
- 15/01/200818,817 mi+5 mi
- 30/01/200922,807 mi+3,990 mi
- 22/02/201026,152 mi+3,345 mi
- 26/02/201128,745 mi+2,593 mi
- 25/02/201231,076 mi+2,331 mi
- 16/02/201332,775 mi+1,699 mi
- 22/02/201434,672 mi+1,897 mi
- 07/02/201536,454 mi+1,782 mi
- 23/01/201637,981 mi+1,527 mi
- 07/01/201739,494 mi+1,513 mi
- 06/01/201840,846 mi+1,352 mi
- 05/01/201942,329 mi+1,483 mi
- 11/01/202044,219 mi+1,890 mi
- 23/01/202145,930 mi+1,711 mi
- 15/01/202247,412 mi+1,482 mi
- 14/01/202348,853 mi+1,441 mi
- 20/01/202449,985 mi+1,132 mi
- 25/01/202551,302 mi+1,317 mi
- 24/01/202652,475 mi+1,173 mi
Average of roughly 1,974 miles per year across 23 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Known faults for MG MG TF
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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 TF
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Head Gasket Failure(Serious)
Like the ZR, the TF uses the K-Series engine. The mid-engine layout makes cooling even more critical.
- Subframe and Sill Rust(Serious)
The front and rear subframes, sills, and rear wheel arches are highly prone to rust. Pre-2007 Chinese-built cars are generally better protected, but all TFs need careful inspection underneath.
- Electrical Gremlins(Moderate)
Electric windows and central locking can play up. The roof wiring loom for heated rear screens often frays and breaks over time due to repeated folding.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (DB53 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as DB53DAN.
MINI
MINI
VOLVO
XC40 + B3 MHEV AUTO
SAAB
9-3
MERCEDES-BENZ
SLK
VOLKSWAGEN
CADDY
MITSUBISHI
L200
BMW
420
HONDA
JAZZ
ASTON MARTIN
DBS
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER EVOQUE
FORD
KUGA
PORSCHE
BOXSTER
MG TF 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.
- Head Gasket FailureSerious
Like the ZR, the TF uses the K-Series engine. The mid-engine layout makes cooling even more critical.
- Subframe and Sill RustSerious
The front and rear subframes, sills, and rear wheel arches are highly prone to rust. Pre-2007 Chinese-built cars are generally better protected, but all TFs need careful inspection underneath.
- Electrical GremlinsModerate
Electric windows and central locking can play up. The roof wiring loom for heated rear screens often frays and breaks over time due to repeated folding.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.