Used car guide

2003 MG ZS: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 MG ZSs, from 243 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 243 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

243MOT tests in 2025
56%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
3,900typical miles a year
2.9×the usual rate for rust around suspension or steering mountings

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 MG ZSs than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.9× usual
    MG ZS
    19.3% All 2003 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 9.5%, against 3.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

By area

The share of 2003 MG ZS MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    44% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    42% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    26% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    24% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Rust and bodywork
    15% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    10% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Looking at an MG ZS?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20231,644Tyres 18%
202217,647Brakes 23%
202114,989Tyres 26%
202012,499Tyres 34%
20198,696Tyres 35%
20185,092Tyres 32%
2017351Tyres 36%
2005221Suspension 30%
2004302Suspension 41%
2002180Brakes 42%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 MG ZSs registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score