MG ZR

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 6 model years from 3,628 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

76%

Total Tests

3,628

Highest Pass Rate

2005 (78%)

Years Covered

About the MG ZR

The MG ZR was MOT tested 3,628 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 6 model years (2001 to 2006), with an average pass rate of 76%. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2005 model has the highest pass rate at 78% from 784 tests. The 2003 model has the lowest at 74%. With just a 4 point gap, pass rates are similar across these years. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

The MG ZR has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2001) averages 88,751 miles, while the newest (2006) averages 86,716 miles.

Compared to the MG brand average of 86%, the ZR is 10 points lower, placing it among the less reliable MG models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)

£1,631

Road Tax

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,511

Per month£209/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2006 details

How reliable is the MG ZR?

vs average of all models-6% (82% avg)

vs MG brand average-10% (86% avg)

Best to worst year spread4 percentage points

Reliability trendStable over years

MG ZR by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2006	76%	94	86,716 mi
2005	78%	784	81,869 mi
2004	74%	1,170	83,591 mi
2003	74%	902	87,431 mi
2002	78%	520	83,390 mi
2001	75%	158	88,751 mi

Questions about the MG ZR

Is the MG ZR reliable?

Across its 6 model years in our data (2001 to 2006), the MG ZR averages a 76% MOT pass rate, from 3,628 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2005 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 78%.

Which year MG ZR has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2005 MG ZR has the highest MOT pass rate at 78%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 74%, a 4 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.