MG ZR (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 94 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,511

£209/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1796cc Petrol

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £2,511/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Petrol1796cc20 years old94 tests87k 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

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the MG brand average of 86%.

76% of MOT tests on MG ZRs from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 94 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 86,716 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models242nd of 554(top half)

Rank among MG models132nd of 155(bottom 16%)

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

vs 2006 models average+3%(73% avg)

vs MG average-10%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

86,716

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 MG ZR had 86,716 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-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 2006 scores 76%. 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

Ford Fiesta

2008 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

72%

-4%

Ford Focus

2008 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

-3%

BMW 3 Series

2007 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

+4%

MINI

2008 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

74%

-2%

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About the 2006 MG ZR

The 2006 MG ZR is a family car. Our records list a 1796cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 94 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 86,716 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, MG ZR owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2006 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 2006 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 76% 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 2006 MG ZR

At 20 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%. Note: with only 94 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 20 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 87k 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 2006 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(2006)	76%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511
Ford Fiesta(2008)	72%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£358
Ford Focus(2008)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
BMW 3 Series(2007)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361-£150
MINI(2008)	74%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283

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 2006 MG ZR

Is the 2006 MG ZR reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 2006 MG ZRs ended in a pass, from 94 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.

How much does a 2006 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 2006 MG ZR?

76% of 94 MOT tests on the 2006 MG ZR ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 242nd of 554 models first registered in 2006 (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 2006 MG ZR?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 MG ZR is 86,716 miles, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.