Skip to main content
Check
MG

MG ZT reliability by build year

Coverage 2001-20051 named generationSaloonDIESEL / PETROL

We've only got 800 MOT tests for MG ZTs built around 2004 (21 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

MG ZT built around 2004: about average at the MOT

MG ZTs built around 2004 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Check an MG ZT by number plate

Key figure

28% of MOT tests on MG ZTs built around 2004 ended in a fail (retests included), against 29% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on MG ZTs built around 2004 involves the suspension.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

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

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Suspension

Worth checking

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

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

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 ZT's generation

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

ZT Series 1

Series 1 (2001-2005)

Not enough tests to rate
DIESELPETROL

27.8% fail rate, built around 2004 (21 years old)

Likely between 24.8% and 31.0%

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

From 800 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 ZT.

See every build year for the MG ZT

By age

MG ZT fail rate by age

This chart combines every MG ZT 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
20726.6%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
78327.6%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
80027.8%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
43129.5%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
16928.4%

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 22 years old.

All generations of this model

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

These issues come from 21-year-old MG ZTs, 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

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    21.6%
    Advisory: 232Fail: 42 (15% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    17.8%
    Advisory: 255Fail: 22 (8% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    15.8%
    Advisory: 177Fail: 3 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    15.5%
    Advisory: 174Fail: 9 (5% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    12.8%
    Advisory: 103Fail: 39 (27% of the times it was found)

Based on 800 MOT tests on 21-year-old MG ZTs, 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 ZTs 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 + Suspension46%
  2. Brakes + Tyres29%
  3. Suspension + Tyres28%
  4. Brakes + Lighting27%

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

Across 432 MOT tests on MG ZT 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 ZT.

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 ZT name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

Like-for-like

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons to compare

  1. 1

    BMW 3 Series

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    89.8%

    No clear edge over the MG ZT on these figures.

    15 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    11,084 MOT tests on cars built around 2004

  2. 2

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.2%

    No clear edge over the MG ZT on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,525 MOT tests on cars built around 2004

  3. 3

    Mercedes-Benz C-Class

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    31.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9%
    Dangerous
    7.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    86.7%

    No clear edge over the MG ZT on these figures.

    8 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    6,109 MOT tests on cars built around 2004

  4. 4

    Jaguar XJ

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    11%
    Dangerous
    5.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.8%

    Lower fail rate: 23.6%, against 27.8% for the MG ZT, both built around 2004.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,985 MOT tests on cars built around 2004

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
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 ZT across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 800 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 ZT ever sold: 2,390 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2004 (21 years old): 800 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.