2005 MG ZT-T diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 MG ZT-T diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 MG ZT-T diesel than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Suspension arm3.1× usual
  MG ZT-T

  10.5% All 2005 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.4% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.3× usual
  MG ZT-T

  12.5% All 2005 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.6% of all 2005 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.

Common 2005 MG ZT-T diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 MG ZT-T diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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
  40% 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 electrics
  37% 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
  31% 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
  9% 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.

• Steering
  9% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 MG ZT-T diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2005 MG ZT-T diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2005 MG ZT-T diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?