Is the 2004 MG ZT-T reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MG ZT-Ts from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 517 tests. That's 5 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2004 MG ZT-T cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), including £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

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

The 2004 MG ZT-T has a 77% MOT pass rate based on 517 tests in 2026. This ranks 178 out of 491 cars from 2004.

Which year MG ZT-T is most reliable?

The 2002 MG ZT-T has the highest MOT pass rate at 81%. The least reliable year is 2003 at 66%.

MG ZT-T (2004)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2004 MG ZT-T?

The average mileage for a 2004 MG ZT-T is 123,957 miles, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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 517 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,577

£215/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2497cc Petrol

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Petrol2497cc22 years old517 tests124k 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

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 22 years old, 77% of MG ZT-Ts from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 517 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 123,957 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars178th of 491(top 36%)

Rank among MG models125th of 155(top 81%)

vs national average-5%(82% avg)

vs 2004 cars average+5%(72% avg)

vs MG average-9%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

123,957

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 MG ZT-T has 123,957 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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 2002 model with a 81% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2004 sits between the two at 77%.

MG ZT-T by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2006	67%	145	109,555 mi
2005	77%	338	123,528 mi
2004	77%	517	123,957 mi
2003	66%	383	132,596 mi
2002	81%	218	102,974 mi
2001	78%	40	118,174 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

RENAULT CLIO

2006 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,217/year

68%

-9%

HONDA CR-V

2006 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,017/year

72%

-5%

MERCEDES A-CLASS

2006 · 2035cc Petrol

£2,397/year

72%

-5%

MERCEDES E

2005 · 2597cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

+1%

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About the 2004 MG ZT-T

The 2004 MG ZT-T is a large car with a 2497cc petrol engine. 517 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 123,957 miles at 22 years old, MG ZT-T owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2004 MG ZT-T 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 2004 MG ZT-T?

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 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MG ZT-T Reliability Trend

The MG ZT-T has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2004 MG ZT-T

At 22 years old, the MG ZT-T 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 2002 model has the highest pass rate at 81%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2004 MG ZT-T's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 22 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 124k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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-T stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MG ZT-T(2004)	77%	£1592	£430	Grp 25-38	£2577
RENAULT CLIO(2006)	68%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2217-£360
HONDA CR-V(2006)	72%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£560
MERCEDES A-CLASS(2006)	72%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2397-£180
MERCEDES E(2005)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£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.