MG ZR (2002)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 520 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,511

£209/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1796cc Petrol

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2,511/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1796cc24 years old520 tests83k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,511

Per month£209/mo

Per week£48/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the MG brand average of 86%.

78% of MOT tests on MG ZRs from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 520 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 83,390 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 models109th of 391(top half)

Rank among MG models119th of 155(bottom 24%)

vs average of all models-4%(82% avg)

vs 2002 models average+5%(73% avg)

vs MG average-8%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

83,390

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2002 MG ZR had 83,390 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2005 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 78%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2002 scores 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

MINI

2004 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-7%

Ford Focus

2004 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

69%

-9%

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-7%

Volkswagen Polo

2004 · 1400cc Petrol

£2,353/year

67%

-11%

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About the 2002 MG ZR

The 2002 MG ZR is a family car. Our records list a 1796cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 520 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 83,390 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, MG ZR owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 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 £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2002 MG ZR?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,511 (£209/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% 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 1 percentage point.

Buying a Used 2002 MG ZR

At 24 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

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 24 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 83k 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 2002 MG ZR stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
MG ZR(2002)	78%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511
MINI(2004)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
Ford Focus(2004)	69%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428-£83
Ford Fiesta(2003)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£358
Volkswagen Polo(2004)	67%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,353-£158

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2002 MG ZR

Is the 2002 MG ZR reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 2002 MG ZRs ended in a pass, from 520 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2002 MG ZR cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,511 a year (£209 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 MG ZR?

78% of 520 MOT tests on the 2002 MG ZR ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 109th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (top half).

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% and the 2003 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2002 MG ZR?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 MG ZR is 83,390 miles, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.