Is the 2006 MG ZS reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MG ZSs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 102 tests. That's 5 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2006 MG ZS cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 MG ZS?

The 2006 MG ZS has a 77% MOT pass rate based on 102 tests in 2026. This ranks 234 out of 575 cars from 2006.

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 (2006)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2006 MG ZS?

The average mileage for a 2006 MG ZS is 80,223 miles, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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 102 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1796cc Petrol

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Petrol1796cc20 years old102 tests80k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1796cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,197

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/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

77% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

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 20 years old, 77% of MG ZSs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 102 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 80,223 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 cars234th of 575(top 41%)

Rank among MG models128th of 155(top 83%)

vs national average-5%(82% avg)

vs 2006 cars average+4%(73% avg)

vs MG average-9%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

80,223

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2006 MG ZS has 80,223 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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%. The 2006 sits between the two at 77%.

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

FORD FIESTA

2008 · 1388cc Petrol

£1,722/year

72%

-5%

FORD FOCUS

2008 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

73%

-4%

BMW 3 SERIES

2007 · 1796cc Petrol

£1,867/year

80%

+3%

MINI MINI

2008 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

74%

-3%

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About the 2006 MG ZS

The 2006 MG ZS is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 102 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 80,223 miles at 20 years old, MG ZS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2006 MG ZS 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 2006 MG ZS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% 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 2006 MG ZS

At 20 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 87%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2006 MG ZS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 80k 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 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(2006)	77%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2197
FORD FIESTA(2008)	72%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£475
FORD FOCUS(2008)	73%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
BMW 3 SERIES(2007)	80%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£1867-£330
MINI MINI(2008)	74%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370

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.