2003 Rover 45 1.6L Petrol · WM52 GBX
2003 Rover 45 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 17 Feb 2003. Recorded mileage 61,970 miles. MOT expired on 21 Aug 2024.
- Make & Model
- ROVER 45
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Bristol
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 21 Aug 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 61,970 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- 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.
WM52 GBX Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 23/08/2023
- 61,970 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 9 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
WM52 GBX MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Rover 45 (WM52 GBX) between August 2022 and August 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 23 August 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (8 issues), Tyres (5 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 19 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 Rear Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Offside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))”.
WM52 GBX Mileage History
- 05/08/202259,892 mi
- 22/08/202361,967 mi+2,075 mi
- 23/08/202361,970 mi+3 mi
Average of roughly 1,982 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Rover Rover 45
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: ROVER 45
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- K-Series Head Gasket Failure(Serious)
Applies to 1.4, 1.6, and 1.8 models. Standard K-Series symptoms and fixes apply.
- Water Ingress (Bulkhead Seam Failure)(Moderate)
The seam sealer on the bulkhead cracks with age, allowing water into the front passenger footwell. Leaks under the carpet are usually from seam failure, while leaks on top enter through the heater blower inlet.
- VIS Motor Failure (V6)(Moderate)
The 2.0 V6 uses Variable Intake System motors that fail, leading to reduced performance and a rattling intake manifold.
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ROVER 45 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
Applies to 1.4, 1.6, and 1.8 models. Standard K-Series symptoms and fixes apply.
- Water Ingress (Bulkhead Seam Failure)Moderate
The seam sealer on the bulkhead cracks with age, allowing water into the front passenger footwell. Leaks under the carpet are usually from seam failure, while leaks on top enter through the heater blower inlet.
- VIS Motor Failure (V6)Moderate
The 2.0 V6 uses Variable Intake System motors that fail, leading to reduced performance and a rattling intake manifold.
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