2005 · 19 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2005 MG ZR MOT pass rate and common faults

390 MOT tests in 2024. 65.6% passed first time, compared with 56.5% for all cars the same age.

116Well above average
Passed first time65.6%
Failed or needed repairs34.4%
Typical mileage at test78,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 390 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.1%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.6%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.4%
  4. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.1%
  5. Position lamp: not working3.1%
  6. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.8%
  7. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.3%
  8. Rear fog lamp: not working2.1%
  9. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.1%
  10. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics29.5%
  2. Brakes14.9%
  3. Suspension14.1%
  4. Body & chassis13.8%
  5. Emissions & leaks10.5%
  6. Tyres4.9%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.1%
  8. Steering3.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.8%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.0%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.2%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases6.7%
  5. Power steering - other components: leaking6.4%

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: exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. 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 2005 MG ZR?

In 2024, 65.6% of 2005 MG ZR cars passed their MOT first time, across 390 tests. The average for all 19-year-old cars was 56.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2005 MG ZR?

The most common failure reasons were exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2005 MG ZR reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 116, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).