CarCostCheck

MG ZT (2001)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 92 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,577

£215/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2497cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol2497cc25 years old92 tests100k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2497cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 2497cc

£430
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MG brand average of 86%.

At 25 years old, 75% of MG ZTs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 92 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 100,291 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 cars139th of 362(top 38%)
Rank among MG models136th of 155(top 88%)
vs national average-7%(82% avg)
vs 2001 cars average+2%(73% avg)
vs MG average-11%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

100,291

Average miles

vs

185,000

Expected for age

The average 2001 MG ZT has 100,291 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 2004 model with a 81% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2001 sits between the two at 75%.

MG ZT by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200778%3774,913 mi
200671%15795,387 mi
200578%556101,102 mi
200481%97481,859 mi
200374%557103,354 mi
200277%26297,723 mi
200175%92100,291 mi

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About the 2001 MG ZT

The 2001 MG ZT is a large car with a 2497cc petrol engine. 92 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 beats that benchmark.

With an average of 100,291 miles at 25 years old, MG ZT owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2001 MG ZT 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 ZT?

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 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MG ZT Reliability Trend

The MG ZT has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2001 MG ZT

At 25 years old, the MG ZT 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 2004 model has the highest pass rate at 81%. Note: with only 92 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2001 MG ZT'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 100k 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 ZT stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MG ZT(2001)75%£1592£430Grp 25-38£2577
RENAULT CLIO(2003)68%£1327£135Grp 18-32£2217-£360
BMW 3 SERIES(1999)78%£1592£250Grp 25-38£2397-£180
MERCEDES CLK(2003)78%£1592£250Grp 25-38£2397-£180
BMW Z4(2003)79%£1592£250Grp 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.

Related Mg Models

Explore other Mg cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Mg Zt.

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