2003 Rover Streetwise 1.4L Petrol · EX53 VJL
2003 Rover Streetwise (1.4L, petrol). First registered 31 Oct 2003. Recorded mileage 77,716 miles. MOT expired on 31 May 2026.
- Make & Model
- ROVER STREETWISE
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 31 May 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 77,716 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.4L
- 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.
EX53 VJL Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 29/05/2026
- 77,716 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 17 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
EX53 VJL 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 Rover Streetwise (EX53 VJL) between May 2022 and May 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 29 May 2026 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (7 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Steering (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 13 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: “Power steering component leaking steering rack seal leaking NS (2.1.5 (a))”; “Offside Front Driver's seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. (6.2.5 (b) (i))”; “Offside Front Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))”.
EX53 VJL Mileage History
- 21/05/202273,270 mi
- 26/05/202374,413 mi+1,143 mi
- 29/05/202475,617 mi+1,204 mi
- 27/05/202576,798 mi+1,181 mi
- 29/05/202677,716 mi+918 mi
Average of roughly 1,105 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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Known faults for Rover Rover Streetwise
Our database tracks 3 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 STREETWISE
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- K-Series Head Gasket Failure(Serious)
As with the Rover 25, the K-Series engines in the Streetwise are prone to head gasket failure due to plastic dowels and low coolant capacity.
- SCU / BCU Relay Failure (Pektron)(Moderate)
As a late MG Rover model, the Streetwise uses the Pektron SCU which is notorious for relay failure affecting central locking, wipers, and alarm.
- Rusting Sills and Rear Arches(Moderate)
The sills and rear wheel arches are prone to corrosion, just as on the Rover 25. Structural rust is a common MOT failure point.
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ROVER STREETWISE 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 FailureSerious
As with the Rover 25, the K-Series engines in the Streetwise are prone to head gasket failure due to plastic dowels and low coolant capacity.
- SCU / BCU Relay Failure (Pektron)Moderate
As a late MG Rover model, the Streetwise uses the Pektron SCU which is notorious for relay failure affecting central locking, wipers, and alarm.
- Rusting Sills and Rear ArchesModerate
The sills and rear wheel arches are prone to corrosion, just as on the Rover 25. Structural rust is a common MOT failure point.
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