Used car guide

2004 MG ZS: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2004 MG ZSs, from 302 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 302 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

302MOT tests in 2025
60%pass first time (all 2004 cars: 58%)
4,300typical miles a year
2.3×the usual rate for rust around suspension or steering mountings

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2004 MG ZSs than on all cars registered in 2004.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.3× usual
    MG ZS
    15.2% All 2004 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, against 3% 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.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints2.1× usual
    MG ZS
    14.2% All 2004 cars
    6.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 2.9% 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.

  • Braking performance2× usual
    MG ZS
    13.9% All 2004 cars
    6.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 2.7% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

By area

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

  • Suspension
    41% 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
    39% 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
    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.

  • Tyres
    25% 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
    15% 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 emissions
    14% 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 ZS?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20231,644Tyres 18%
202217,647Brakes 23%
202114,989Tyres 26%
202012,499Tyres 34%
20198,696Tyres 35%
20185,092Tyres 32%
2017351Tyres 36%
2005221Suspension 30%
2003243Suspension 44%
2002180Brakes 42%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2004 MG ZSs registered in 2004. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score