MG ZT (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 974 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,077

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1951cc Diesel

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2,077/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1951cc22 years old974 tests82k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1951cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,077

Per month£173/mo

Per week£40/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the MG brand average of 86%.

81% of MOT tests on MG ZTs from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 974 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 81,859 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models101st of 470(top 22%)

Rank among MG models103rd of 155(bottom half)

vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average+9%(72% avg)

vs MG average-5%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

81,859

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 MG ZT had 81,859 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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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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

2006 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

-9%

Vauxhall Astra

2005 · 1598cc Diesel

£2,144/year

69%

-12%

Honda Civic

2006 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

71%

-10%

Audi A3

2006 · 1595cc Diesel

£1,944/year

73%

-8%

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About the 2004 MG ZT

The 2004 MG ZT is a family car. Our records list a 1951cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 974 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 22% of all 2004 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 81,859 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, MG ZT owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2004 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 £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2004 MG ZT?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,077 (£173/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% 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 point.

Buying a Used 2004 MG ZT

At 22 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.

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.

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 82k 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 2004 MG ZT 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 ZT(2004)	81%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077
Volkswagen Golf(2006)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£150
Vauxhall Astra(2005)	69%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£2,144+£67
Honda Civic(2006)	71%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£564
Audi A3(2006)	73%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944-£133

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 2004 MG ZT

Is the 2004 MG ZT reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 2004 MG ZTs ended in a pass, from 974 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 MG ZT cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,077 a year (£173 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 MG ZT?

81% of 974 MOT tests on the 2004 MG ZT ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 101st of 470 models first registered in 2004 (top 22%).

Which year MG ZT has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2004 MG ZT has the highest MOT pass rate at 81% and the 2006 the lowest at 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 MG ZT?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 MG ZT is 81,859 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.