2004 MG ZR · 2,623 MOT tests
2004 MG ZR reliability
2004 MG ZRs fail 38.7% of first MOT tests, 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 4 ZR years (2,623 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all MG ZRs: 37.5%)
- 38.7%
- first-time fail rate (all MG ZRs: 37.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 5% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 79,729
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,623
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- 2005 cars: 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 13.9% of tests fail here (74% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: suspension, 45% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 MG ZR
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics19.3%
- Body, chassis and structure13.9%
- Brakes9.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.5%
- Suspension8.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.4%
- Tyres5.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 6.82%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 4.54%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Position lamp not working 4.04%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Exhaust has major gas leak 3.47%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 3.2%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Stop lamp not working 2.82%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.09%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.27%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (8.23%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.72%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (5.49%) · Suspension mounting area showing corrosion (5.22%)
Other years
Every MG ZR year
The full picture: MG ZR reliability. Before you pay for any MG ZR, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2004 MG ZR reliable?
2004 MG ZRs fail 38.7% of first MOT tests, 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 4 ZR years (2,623 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 MG ZR MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (6.82% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (4.54% of tests), position lamp not working (4.04% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 MG ZR have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 MG ZR shows 79,729 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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