CarCostCheck

MG ZR (2005)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 784 real MOT tests in 2024.

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Total Tests (2024)

784

Avg Mileage

81,869 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£2,017

Is the 2005 MG ZR reliable?

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

At 19 years old, 78% of MG ZRs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 784 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 81,869 miles.

How does the 2005 MG ZR compare?

Rank among all 2005 cars175th out of 526(top 33%)
Rank among all MG models117th out of 155(top 75%)
vs national average-4% (82% avg)
vs 2005 cars average+6% (72% avg)
vs MG average-8% (86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2005 MG ZR has 81,869 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

How much does a 2005 MG ZR cost to run?

Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)
£1,327
🏛️Road Tax
£135
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£2,017
Per month£168/mo

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

MG ZR by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200676%9486,716 mi
200578%78481,869 mi
200474%1,17083,591 mi
200374%90287,431 mi
200278%52083,390 mi
200175%15888,751 mi

Checking a specific MG ZR?

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About the 2005 MG ZR

The 2005 MG ZR is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 784 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 81,869 miles at 19 years old, MG ZR owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2005 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 2005 MG ZR?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 0 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2005 MG ZR

At 19 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.

Alternatives to the 2005 MG ZR

If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines: