2003 MG ZR 1.4L Petrol · SB03 SWJ

The most recent MOT on 25 October 2023 was a pass, but it still recorded a “battery insecure” comment and noted welded repairs on the under‑seal, suggesting some corrosion work had been done. Just two weeks earlier the same car failed the test, mainly for excessive corrosion on the rear suspension mounting points (nearside and off‑side) and for a headlamp aim fault and a faulty indicator colour. Across the four‑year record the recurring themes are corrosion and wear on suspension mounting areas, brake‑system deficiencies (excessive brake‑pipe rust, imbalanced or ineffective brakes, and a brake pedal that creeps to the floor), an insecure battery strap, and a heavily corroded fuel tank noted in both 2022 tests. The 2021 pass only showed slight play in a front ball‑joint, which later escalated to “excessively worn” in 2022. After the 2022 failures the 2023 results show a modest improvement – the major brake‑pipe and fuel‑tank faults were no longer listed, and the vehicle passed despite still having a minor battery‑mount issue. The trend therefore appears to be stabilising rather than worsening, but the underlying corrosion on suspension mounts remains a concern. Mileage is low for a 23‑year‑old (≈5 400 mi yr⁻¹). Light use can mean less wear on the drivetrain, but the same low utilisation often leads to prolonged exposure to moisture and rust, which is reflected in the repeated corrosion findings. The mileage signal is therefore ambiguous: the engine and transmission are likely to be relatively fresh, while the chassis and ancillary components show age‑related decay. First‑hand checks should focus on: Battery mounting – ensure the strap is secure and the battery cannot shift.