2004 MG ZR petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 MG ZR petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 MG ZR petrol than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
  MG ZR

  13.5% All 2004 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings1.9× usual
  MG ZR

  11.4% All 2004 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 2.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Battery4.1× usual
  MG ZR

  5.3% All 2004 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the car starts cleanly and there are no warning lights once running.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.3× usual
  MG ZR

  6.1% All 2004 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 2.5% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for an engine warning light.

Common 2004 MG ZR petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 MG ZR petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  31% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  29% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  26% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  25% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  17% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Driveshafts and joints
  14% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 MG ZR petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2004 MG ZR petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2004 MG ZR petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the battery? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2004 MG ZR petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?