2003 MG ZR 1.4L Petrol · LR53 RTV
2003 MG ZR (1.4L, petrol). First registered 22 Sept 2003. Recorded mileage 40,135 miles. MOT expired on 25 Jun 2024.
- Make & Model
- MG ZR
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Wimbledon (South London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 25 Jun 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 40,135 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.
LR53 RTV Key Findings
- 18 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 27/06/2023
- 40,135 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LR53 RTV MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
18 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Mg Zr (LR53 RTV) between September 2006 and June 2023.
The record contains 16 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 27 June 2023 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: Tyres (3 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 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: “Offside Registration plate lamp shows direct white light to the rear (1.1.C.1f)”; “Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)”; “Emissions not tested leak at rear silencer (7.3.A.1)”.
LR53 RTV Mileage History
- 15/09/20067,787 mi
- 18/10/200711,840 mi+4,053 mi
- 06/10/200813,985 mi+2,145 mi
- 22/10/200915,125 mi+1,140 mi
- 08/10/201015,758 mi+633 mi
- 06/10/201116,649 mi+891 mi
- 28/09/201217,351 mi+702 mi
- 11/10/201318,311 mi+960 mi
- 03/10/201419,053 mi+742 mi
- 03/10/201419,053 mi
- 05/10/201519,862 mi+809 mi
- 14/10/201620,646 mi+784 mi
- 20/10/201723,921 mi+3,275 mi
- 26/10/201724,025 mi+104 mi
- 19/10/201828,577 mi+4,552 mi
- 23/10/201933,844 mi+5,267 mi
- 26/10/202039,018 mi+5,174 mi
- 27/06/202340,135 mi+1,117 mi
Average of roughly 1,928 miles per year across 18 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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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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