Is the 2001 MG ZR reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MG ZRs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 158 tests. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2001 MG ZR cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 MG ZR?

The 2001 MG ZR has a 75% MOT pass rate based on 158 tests in 2026. This ranks 136 out of 362 cars from 2001.

Which year MG ZR is most reliable?

The 2005 MG ZR has the highest MOT pass rate at 78%. The least reliable year is 2003 at 74%.

MG ZR (2001)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2001 MG ZR?

The average mileage for a 2001 MG ZR is 88,751 miles, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 158 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1796cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol1796cc25 years old158 tests89k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1796cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,197

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MG brand average of 86%.

At 25 years old, 75% of MG ZRs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 158 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 88,751 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 cars136th of 362(top 38%)

Rank among MG models135th of 155(top 87%)

vs national average-7%(82% avg)

vs 2001 cars average+2%(73% avg)

vs MG average-11%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

88,751

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 2001 MG ZR has 88,751 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2005 model with a 78% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2001 sits between the two at 75%.

MG ZR by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

FORD FIESTA

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£1,722/year

71%

-4%

MINI MINI

2003 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

72%

-3%

FORD FOCUS

2003 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,027/year

68%

-7%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2003 · 1400cc Petrol

£1,922/year

67%

-8%

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About the 2001 MG ZR

The 2001 MG ZR is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 158 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 88,751 miles at 25 years old, MG ZR owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

2001 MG ZR Fuel Costs

The 1796cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2001 MG ZR?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MG ZR Reliability Trend

The MG ZR has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2001 MG ZR

At 25 years old, the MG ZR is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2005 model has the highest pass rate at 78%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2001 MG ZR's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 25 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 89k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2001 MG ZR stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MG ZR(2001)	75%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2197
FORD FIESTA(2003)	71%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£475
MINI MINI(2003)	72%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
FORD FOCUS(2003)	68%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£2027-£170
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2003)	67%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1922-£275

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.