2005 MG ZR · 1,689 MOT tests
2005 MG ZR reliability
2005 MG ZRs fail 35.3% of first MOT tests, 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 4 ZR years (1,689 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2005 MG ZR?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all MG ZRs: 37.5%)
- 35.3%
- first-time fail rate (all MG ZRs: 37.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 12% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 78,423
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,689
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2005 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does better)
- 2006 cars: 4% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does better)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 10.8% of tests fail here (42% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: suspension, 42% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2005 car carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Common problems
What fails on a 2005 MG ZR
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics19.6%
- Body, chassis and structure10.8%
- Brakes9.5%
- Suspension8.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks8.2%
- Tyres5.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.56%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Position lamp not working 4.14%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 3.26%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Exhaust has major gas leak 3.08%
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 2.78%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.66%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.12%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.23%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.4%) · Power steering slight fluid seepage (5.45%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.27%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (5.03%)
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 2005 MG ZR reliable?
2005 MG ZRs fail 35.3% of first MOT tests, 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 4 ZR years (1,689 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2005 MG ZR MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (4.56% of tests), position lamp not working (4.14% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (3.26% of tests).
How many miles should a 2005 MG ZR have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2005 MG ZR shows 78,423 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2005 car?
A car first registered in 2005 carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Check a 2005 MG ZR free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.