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MG ZR reliability by build year

Coverage 2001-20051 named generationHatchbackPETROL

We've only got 653 MOT tests for MG ZRs built around 2004 (21 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

MG ZR built around 2004: about average at the MOT

MG ZRs built around 2004 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Check an MG ZR by number plate

Key figure

28% of MOT tests on MG ZRs built around 2004 ended in a fail (retests included), against 32% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on MG ZRs built around 2004 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The MG ZR's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Exhaust

Worth checking

Listen for blow noises from a cold start; check for rust and leaks at the manifold and cat connections.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your ZR's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

ZR Series 1

Series 1 (2001-2005)

Not enough tests to rate
PETROLDIESEL

27.7% fail rate, built around 2004 (21 years old)

Likely between 24.4% and 31.3%

Fails about as often as the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 31.1%)

From 653 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the MG ZR.

See every build year for the MG ZR

By age

MG ZR fail rate by age

This chart combines every MG ZR ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
16223.5%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
59026.1%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
65327.7%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
41928.4%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
22129.0%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 23 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 21-year-old MG ZRs

These issues come from 21-year-old MG ZRs, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    14.4%
    Advisory: 144Fail: 19 (12% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    13.8%
    Advisory: 91Fail: 2 (2% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    11.2%
    Advisory: 95Fail: 15 (14% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    10.9%
    Advisory: 52Fail: 25 (32% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Suspension mounting area corroded, but not seriously

    9.7%
    Advisory: 92Fail: 23 (20% of the times it was found)

Based on 653 MOT tests on 21-year-old MG ZRs, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 21-year-old MG ZRs notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelEnough data
  1. Brakes + Tyres25%
  2. Brakes + Suspension24%
  3. Suspension + Tyres22%
  4. Body & structure + Brakes19%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 307 MOT tests on MG ZR cars built around 2004 (21 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the MG ZR.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the MG ZR name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

Like-for-like

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks to compare

  1. 1

    Subaru Impreza

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    20.4%

    Lower fail rate: 20.4%, against 27.7% for the MG ZR, both built around 2004.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,984 MOT tests on cars built around 2004

  2. 2

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    No clear edge over the MG ZR on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    17,263 MOT tests on cars built around 2004

  3. 3

    Renault Clio

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    34.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.9%

    No clear edge over the MG ZR on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    7,283 MOT tests on cars built around 2004

  4. 4

    Toyota Yaris

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.4%

    No clear edge over the MG ZR on these figures.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    15,502 MOT tests on cars built around 2004

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2004 (21 years old), the MG ZR across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 653 21-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every MG ZR ever sold: 2,045 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2004 (21 years old): 653 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.