Used car guide

2003 Rover 45: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Rover 45s, from 307 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 307 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

307MOT tests in 2025
60%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
3,400typical miles a year
2.5×the usual rate for rust around suspension or steering mountings

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 Rover 45s than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.5× usual
    Rover 45
    16.6% All 2003 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, 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 Rover 45 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    46% 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
    39% 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.

  • Tyres
    28% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    18% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Rust and bodywork
    16% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    16% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2005170Suspension 44%
2004342Suspension 41%
2002269Suspension 43%
2001244Suspension 42%
2000177Suspension 47%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Rover 45s registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score