Is the 2002 MG ZT reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MG ZTs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 262 tests. That's 5 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2002 MG ZT cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), including £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 MG ZT?

The 2002 MG ZT has a 77% MOT pass rate based on 262 tests in 2026. This ranks 132 out of 403 cars from 2002.

Which year MG ZT is most reliable?

The 2004 MG ZT has the highest MOT pass rate at 81%. The least reliable year is 2006 at 71%.

MG ZT (2002)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2002 MG ZT?

The average mileage for a 2002 MG ZT is 97,723 miles, which is below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-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 262 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,857

£155/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1951cc Diesel

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £1857/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Diesel1951cc24 years old262 tests98k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1951cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037

Road Tax

Based on 1951cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,857

Per month£155/mo

Per week£36/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 24 years old, 77% of MG ZTs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 262 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 97,723 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 cars132th of 403(top 33%)

Rank among MG models127th of 155(top 82%)

vs national average-5%(82% avg)

vs 2002 cars average+4%(73% avg)

vs MG average-9%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

97,723

Average miles

177,600

Expected for age

The average 2002 MG ZT has 97,723 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-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 2002 sits between the two at 77%.

MG ZT by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2007	78%	37	74,913 mi
2006	71%	157	95,387 mi
2005	78%	556	101,102 mi
2004	81%	974	81,859 mi
2003	74%	557	103,354 mi
2002	77%	262	97,723 mi
2001	75%	92	100,291 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2003 · 1896cc Diesel

£1,727/year

73%

-4%

HONDA CIVIC

2004 · 1686cc Diesel

£1,727/year

72%

-5%

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2004 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,595/year

71%

-6%

VAUXHALL ZAFIRA

2004 · 1995cc Diesel

£1,727/year

70%

-7%

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About the 2002 MG ZT

The 2002 MG ZT is a family car with a 1951cc diesel engine. 262 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 97,723 miles at 24 years old, MG ZT owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 MG ZT Fuel Costs

The 1951cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2002 MG ZT?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 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 ZT Reliability Trend

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

Buying a Used 2002 MG ZT

At 24 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2002 MG ZT's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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 98k 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 2002 MG ZT stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MG ZT(2002)	77%	£1037	£265	Grp 18-32	£1857
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2003)	73%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
HONDA CIVIC(2004)	72%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2004)	71%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1595-£262
VAUXHALL ZAFIRA(2004)	70%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130

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.