2003 MG ZR 1.8L Petrol · ET03 DXE
2003 MG ZR (1.8L, petrol). First registered 25 Jun 2003. Recorded mileage 93,702 miles. MOT valid until 09 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- MG ZR
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 09 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 93,702 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
ET03 DXE Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 10/04/2026
- 93,702 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
Technical Specifications
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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.
ET03 DXE Mileage History
- 29/08/202381,543 mi
- 08/09/202381,767 mi+224 mi
- 12/09/202489,958 mi+8,191 mi
- 18/09/202490,078 mi+120 mi
- 10/04/202693,702 mi+3,624 mi
Average of roughly 4,650 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
ET03 DXE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Mg Zr (ET03 DXE) between August 2023 and April 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 10 April 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
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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