2004 MG ZS petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Drive shaft (CV) joints1.9× usual
  MG ZS

  12.9% All 2004 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, 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 ZS

  11.4% All 2004 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, 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.

• Body structure rust or damage2.1× usual
  MG ZS

  6.4% All 2004 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

• Airbag warning light2.2× usual
  MG ZS

  3.7% All 2004 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.5% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2004 MG ZS petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Brakes
  37% 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.

• Suspension
  36% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  28% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  23% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  14% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Driveshafts and joints
  13% 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 ZS 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 1.9× as often on the 2004 MG ZS 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 ZS petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the body structure rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2004 MG ZS petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?