2004 MG ZS · 1,440 MOT tests
2004 MG ZS reliability
2004 MG ZSs fail 37.1% of first MOT tests, 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 7 ZS years (1,440 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all MG ZSs: 18.3%)
- 37.1%
- first-time fail rate (all MG ZSs: 18.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 11% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 86,448
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,440
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- 2005 cars: 9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 4.2% of tests fail here (61% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 58% 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 ZS
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics16.7%
- Brakes13.2%
- Body, chassis and structure13.1%
- Suspension12.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.7%
- Tyres5.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 5.49%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 4.79%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.89%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Stop lamp not working 3.4%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 3.4%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 3.12%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (10.83%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.28%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (9.86%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.89%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (8.12%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.64%)
Is a 2004 MG ZS reliable?
2004 MG ZSs fail 37.1% of first MOT tests, 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 7 ZS years (1,440 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 MG ZS MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (5.49% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (4.79% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (3.89% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 MG ZS have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 MG ZS shows 86,448 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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