Verdict
The MG ZR passes its MOT first time on 57.6% of tests, 1.0 points higher than a typical car of the same age and mileage (56.7%). That puts it ahead of 55% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.
By year of first registration, the 2003 ZR does best (beats 55% of cars) and the 2005 worst (beats 54%).
Of its engines, the 1.8 Petrol does best (beats 62%) and the 1.4 Petrol worst (beats 50%).
Better than average on suspension.
Watch these weak spots
MOT pass rate by age
First-time pass rate at each MOT by the car’s age in years.
Best and worst years
By year of first registration, ranked against all cars on UK roads after adjusting for age and mileage. Green = better than half of cars.
Engines
All years, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.
| Engine | Pass rate | Rank | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 Petrol | 56.7% | Beats 50% | C |
| 1.8 Petrol | 59.9% | Beats 62% | B |
| 2.0 Diesel | 56.1% | Beats 61% | B |
Where it fails
Each area compared with a typical car of the same age and mileage, in points of pass rate. Tap or hover an area to see what to check.
Every MOT area
Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).
Buying one or MOT due? Check these
- Exhaust emissions (catalyst) 2.1× typical
Check past MOT emissions readings in the car's history: rising readings can mean catalyst or sensor problems. - Exhaust system 1.5× typical
Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look for heavy corrosion underneath. - Brake performance 1.5× typical
On the test drive, brake firmly: the car should stop straight with no pulsing through the pedal. - Headlight aim
Park facing a wall at night: both dipped beams should sit level and dip to the left. - Sidelights
Walk around with the lights on: bulb failures are the easiest MOT fails to avoid. - Headlight bulbs & units
Check dipped and main beam on both sides.
Pass rate by mileage
First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.
Most common MOT failures
| Item | This car | Typical | vs typical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive shaft (CV) joints | 7.4% | 2.6% | 2.8× |
| Headlight aim | 6.3% | 5.6% | 1.1× |
| Exhaust emissions (catalyst) | 4.6% | 2.2% | 2.1× |
| Sidelights | 4.5% | 4.5% | 1.0× |
| Exhaust system | 3.9% | 2.6% | 1.5× |
| Component mounting prescribed areas | 3.7% | 2.0% | 1.9× |
| Brake lights | 3.7% | 4.1% | 0.9× |
| Headlight bulbs & units | 3.6% | 4.0% | 0.9× |
| Tyre damage & cracking | 3.5% | 3.4% | 1.0× |
| Windscreen wipers | 3.3% | 3.7% | 0.9× |
Specific defects found
Tester wording for the most frequent failure items, per 1,000 tests.
| Defect | per 1,000 |
|---|---|
| A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 76.4 |
| The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 62.6 |
| The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 37.8 |
| Exhaust system leaking or insecure | 37.0 |
| Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 31.8 |
| Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 31.7 |
| Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction | 28.5 |
| A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 28.1 |
Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.
Every year and engine
Tap a year to see its engines. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.
2005 MG ZR2 engines58.7% passC
| Engine | Pass rate | Rank | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 Petrol | 58.0% | Beats 51% | C |
| 1.8 Petrol | 61.5% | Beats 63% | B |
2004 MG ZR3 engines57.2% passC
| Engine | Pass rate | Rank | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 Petrol | 56.7% | Beats 51% | C |
| 1.8 Petrol | 58.7% | Beats 59% | C |
| 2.0 Diesel | 56.1% | Beats 61% | B |
2003 MG ZR2 engines57.6% passC
| Engine | Pass rate | Rank | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 Petrol | 56.0% | Beats 49% | C |
| 1.8 Petrol | 60.5% | Beats 64% | B |
2002 MG ZR2 engines57.2% passC
| Engine | Pass rate | Rank | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 Petrol | 55.0% | Beats 46% | C |
| 1.8 Petrol | 59.7% | Beats 62% | B |
FAQ
What is the MG ZR MOT pass rate?
57.6% of MOT tests on the MG ZR were passed first time, based on 27,505 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 2002–2005. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 56.7% of the time.
Is the MG ZR reliable?
On MOT results it rates C (average): it passes first time more often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 55% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.
Which MG ZR year is best?
Among years with enough data, the 2003 ZR does best for its age and mileage: it beats 55% of cars on UK roads. The 2005 does worst: it beats 54%.
Which MG ZR engine is best?
Across all years, the 1.8 Petrol does best: it beats 62% of cars on UK roads. The 1.4 Petrol does worst: it beats 50%.
What are the most common MOT failures on the MG ZR?
The most common failure items are drive shaft (CV) joints, headlight aim, exhaust emissions (catalyst). Compared with similar cars, drive shaft (CV) joints comes up 2.8× as often.