Is the 2001 MG ZS reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MG ZSs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 136 tests. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2001 MG ZS cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), including £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

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

The 2001 MG ZS has a 70% MOT pass rate based on 136 tests in 2026. This ranks 247 out of 362 cars from 2001.

Which year MG ZS is most reliable?

The 2020 MG ZS has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%. The least reliable year is 2001 at 70%.

MG ZS (2001)

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

The average mileage for a 2001 MG ZS is 102,556 miles, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 136 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,577

£215/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2497cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Petrol2497cc25 years old136 tests103k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2497cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 2497cc

£430

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,577

Per month£215/mo

Per week£50/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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MG brand average of 86%.

At 25 years old, 70% of MG ZSs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 136 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 102,556 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 cars247th of 362(top 68%)

Rank among MG models151th of 155(top 97%)

vs national average-12%(82% avg)

vs 2001 cars average-3%(73% avg)

vs MG average-16%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

102,556

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 2001 MG ZS has 102,556 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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?

The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 87% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 70%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.

MG ZS by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	83%	145	24,982 mi
2020	87%	7,930	27,667 mi
2019	86%	14,089	34,291 mi
2018	84%	8,982	41,978 mi
2017	84%	651	47,465 mi
2006	77%	102	80,223 mi
2005	78%	496	91,088 mi
2004	75%	644	89,991 mi
2003	72%	509	86,996 mi
2002	71%	463	94,493 mi
2001	70%	136	102,556 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

RENAULT CLIO

2003 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,217/year

68%

-2%

BMW 3 SERIES

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

+8%

MERCEDES CLK

2003 · 2295cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

+8%

BMW Z4

2003 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,397/year

79%

+9%

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About the 2001 MG ZS

The 2001 MG ZS is a large car with a 2497cc petrol engine. 136 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 falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 102,556 miles at 25 years old, MG ZS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2001 MG ZS Fuel Costs

The 2497cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 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 ZS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MG ZS Reliability Trend

Newer MG ZSs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2001 MG ZS

At 25 years old, the MG ZS 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2001 MG ZS'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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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

Watch out

With an average of 103k 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 ZS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MG ZS(2001)	70%	£1592	£430	Grp 25-38	£2577
RENAULT CLIO(2003)	68%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2217-£360
BMW 3 SERIES(1999)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2397-£180
MERCEDES CLK(2003)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2397-£180
BMW Z4(2003)	79%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2397-£180

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.