Used car guide

2005 MG ZT-T: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 MG ZT-Ts, from 134 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 134 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

134MOT tests in 2025
58%pass first time (all 2005 cars: 58%)
6,100typical miles a year
49%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

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

  • Suspension
    49% 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
    47% 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
    38% 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
    30% 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.

  • Steering
    11% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    11% 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.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2004245Suspension 42%
2003166Suspension 51%

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