2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 MG ZR MOT pass rate and common faults

639 MOT tests in 2024. 62.6% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

111Well above average
Passed first time62.6%
Failed or needed repairs37.4%
Typical mileage at test79,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 639 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.0%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.4%
  3. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.6%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.6%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.6%
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.4%
  7. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.1%
  8. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.8%
  9. Position lamp: not working2.7%
  10. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.3%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics25.8%
  2. Emissions & leaks20.2%
  3. Brakes17.2%
  4. Body & chassis16.9%
  5. Suspension11.9%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.3%
  7. Steering5.2%
  8. Tyres5.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.4%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.0%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.5%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength7.8%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.9%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 MG ZR?

In 2024, 62.6% of 2004 MG ZR cars passed their MOT first time, across 639 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 MG ZR?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; track rod end: ball joint has excessive play. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 MG ZR reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 111, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).