MG ZS (2001)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 136 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,958

£247/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2497cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2,958/year to run. 12 points below average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific MG ZS

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol2497cc25 years old136 tests103k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2497cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,958

Per month£247/mo

Per week£57/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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the MG brand average of 86%.

70% of MOT tests on MG ZSs from 2001 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 23 years old. That's based on 136 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 102,556 miles.

Got a MG ZS you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 models239th of 350(bottom half)

Rank among MG models151st of 155(bottom 4%)

vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)

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

vs MG average-16%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

102,556

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2001 MG ZS had 102,556 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Looking at a specific MG ZS?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 70%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

£2,711/year

68%

-2%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+8%

Mercedes CLK

2003 · 2295cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

+8%

BMW Z4

2003 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,958/year

79%

+9%

Check a Specific MG ZS

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 2001 MG ZS

The 2001 MG ZS is a large car. Our records list a 2497cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 136 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 102,556 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 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 2001 MG ZS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,958 (£247/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

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

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 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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
MG ZS(2001)	70%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958
Renault Clio(2003)	68%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711-£247
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888-£70
Mercedes CLK(2003)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958same
BMW Z4(2003)	79%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958same

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 2001 MG ZS

Is the 2001 MG ZS reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2001 MG ZSs ended in a pass, from 136 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2001 MG ZS cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,958 a year (£247 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 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 2001 MG ZS?

70% of 136 MOT tests on the 2001 MG ZS ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 239th of 350 models first registered in 2001 (bottom half).

Which year MG ZS has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 MG ZS has the highest MOT pass rate at 87% and the 2001 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2001 MG ZS?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2001 MG ZS is 102,556 miles, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.