MG ZR Series 1 (2001-2005) reliability
MG ZR Series 1 built around 2004: about average at the MOT
MG ZR Series 1 models 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.
Looking at an MG ZR Series 1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
28% of MOT tests on MG ZR Series 1 models 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 ZR Series 1 models built around 2004 involves the tyres.
Based on 2,011 tests of ZR models registered 2001-2005.
About 1 in 9 ZR Series 1 MOTs (10.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2004 (21 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 653 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 8.4% and 13.2%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 20 ZR Series 1 MOTs (5.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2004 (21 years old).
Based on 653 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 3.6% and 7.0%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Series 1 fail rate by age
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.
How the ZR Series 1 compares
At each age below, see how the ZR Series 1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 5,058 tests across 4 MG models, built around 2004 (21 years old).
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.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension
Worth checkingInspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Leaks
Worth checkingInspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Exhaust
Worth checkingListen for blow noises from a cold start; check for rust and leaks at the manifold and cat connections.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other hatchbacks to compare
Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the ZR Series 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 Series 1, both built around 2004.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,984 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
- 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 Series 1 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
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 Series 1 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
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 Series 1 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.
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.
What has gone wrong on ZR Series 1 cars built around 2004
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 953 cars.
Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 12% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.
Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.
How ZR Series 1 cars have aged
How ZR Series 1 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
How each part holds up as Series 1 cars age
How each part holds up as Series 1 cars age
The share of petrol cars built pre-2005 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 21 years | 22 years | 23 years | 24 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 53% | 37% | 22% | 43% |
| Brakes | 48% | 51% | 55% | 61% |
| Emissions | 46% | 45% | 49% | 53% |
| Tyres | 54% | 51% | 50% | 51% |
| Lighting | 68% | 67% | 63% | 65% |
| Drivetrain | 26% | 35% | 35% | 30% |
| Bodywork | 2% | 4% | 5% | 6% |
| Steering | 11% | 5% | 3% | 7% |
| Corrosion | 12% | 12% | 11% | 10% |
Based on petrol cars in the pre-2005 build-year band, from 299 to 1,090 cars at each age.
Series 1 variants compared
Most common issues on MG ZRs of this age
This list covers every MG ZR built around 2004, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Series 1 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 114.4%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 213.8%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
- 311.2%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 410.9%Advisory
Exhaust has a minor leak
- 59.7%Advisory
Suspension mounting area corroded, but not seriously
Based on 653 tests
Looking at an MG ZR Series 1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2004 (21 years old), the MG ZR Series 1 (2001-2005) 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.