2003 MG TF 1.8L Petrol · RE53 URD
2003 MG TF (1.8L, petrol). First registered 30 Sept 2003. Recorded mileage 68,919 miles. MOT expired on 31 Mar 2025.
- Make & Model
- MG TF
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 31 Mar 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 68,919 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.
RE53 URD Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 06/06/2025
- 68,919 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RE53 URD 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 Tf (RE53 URD) between April 2022 and June 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 06 June 2025 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (5 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Windscreen (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: “Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Offside Front Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”.
RE53 URD Mileage History
- 13/04/202245,854 mi
- 30/05/202357,426 mi+11,572 mi
- 02/04/202463,268 mi+5,842 mi
- 02/04/202463,268 mi
- 06/06/202568,919 mi+5,651 mi
Average of roughly 7,326 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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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: Poor
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.
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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.
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