Used car guide

2006 MG ZT petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the petrol MG ZT first registered in 2006 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 144 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 144 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

144MOTs of 2006 petrol cars, done in 2023–2025
78%pass first time (all 2006 cars: 56%)
3,500typical miles a year
29%had brakes flagged

Common 2006 MG ZT petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 MG ZT petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    29% 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
    23% 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
    18% 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
    13% 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
    6% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    4% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 MG ZT petrol

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at an MG ZT?

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 ZT compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2007–Too few tests
2005913Suspension 44%
20041,500Brakes 39%
2003908Suspension 42%
2002476Suspension 43%
2001203Suspension 45%

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 ZT cars first registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score