Used car guide

2005 MG ZR: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 MG ZRs, from 344 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 344 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

344MOT tests in 2025
68%pass first time (all 2005 cars: 58%)
3,900typical miles a year
2.1×the usual rate for drive shaft (cv) joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2005 MG ZRs than on all cars registered in 2005.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints2.1× usual
    MG ZR
    15.4% All 2005 cars
    7.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 3.2% of all 2005 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.

By area

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

  • Suspension
    34% 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
    29% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Brakes
    25% 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
    21% 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.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    15% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

  • Exhaust and emissions
    13% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

Looking at an MG ZR?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2004550Suspension 30%
2003464Brakes 32%
2002232Suspension 31%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 MG ZRs registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score