2003 MG ZR 1.8L Petrol · RO03 NLL

This vehicle is currently roadworthy following a clean pass on 6 May 2026 at 75,449 miles. However, the maintenance trend is erratic and suggests a reactive approach to repairs rather than proactive care. The pass was only achieved after a failure on 28 April 2026, where the tester flagged critical safety defects including a faulty supplementary restraint system, insecure seat belts, and missing road wheel fixings on both rear wheels. The mileage is exceptionally low for a 23 year old car, averaging roughly 3,280 miles per year. A significant gap exists in the MOT history between November 2015 and April 2026. During this eleven year period, the odometer moved only 219 miles, from 75,230 to 75,449. Such prolonged inactivity often leads to perished rubber components, seized calipers, and fluid degradation, which is reflected in the recent failure. A buyer must scrutinize the braking system. The April 2026 test identified excessively binding rear service brakes, a problem that mirrors a failure in October 2015 when the offside rear brake was also binding. This recurring issue indicates a chronic fault with the rear calipers or hydraulics. The history of missing wheel bolts is particularly concerning as it suggests a lack of basic mechanical competence during previous wheel changes or servicing. Inspect the chassis and suspension bushes for signs of dry rot or cracking caused by the decade of standing. While the most recent test was clean, the previous failures for CV joint gaiters and exhaust leaks suggest the vehicle suffers from age-related deterioration. Verify that the SRS warning lamp and seat belt repairs were carried out by a qualified technician rather than simply cleared to pass the test.