2005 MG ZS petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol MG ZS first registered in 2005 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 688 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2005 MG ZS petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2005 MG ZS petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension32% 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.
- Brakes30% 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.
- Lights and electrics27% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres23% 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 bodywork13% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions13% 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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 MG ZS petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at an MG ZS?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the MG ZS compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 2,122 | Tyres 18% |
| 2022 | 19,653 | Brakes 21% |
| 2021 | 29,975 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 37,041 | Tyres 27% |
| 2019 | 25,637 | Tyres 32% |
| 2018 | 15,006 | Brakes 32% |
| 2017 | 1,046 | Brakes 34% |
| 2006 | 130 | Brakes 35% |
| 2004 | 1,078 | Brakes 37% |
| 2003 | 826 | Brakes 47% |
| 2002 | 631 | Brakes 44% |
| 2001 | 239 | Brakes 46% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of MG ZS cars first registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score