2002 MG ZS: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 MG ZS?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 MG ZS than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.2× usual
  MG ZS

  15.2% All 2002 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.4%, against 3.5% of all 2002 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.

• Ball joint dust cover2.6× usual
  MG ZS

  10.8% All 2002 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Body structure rust or damage2.1× usual
  MG ZS

  7% All 2002 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

Common 2002 MG ZS MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 MG ZS MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  44% 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
  40% 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.

• Tyres
  27% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  25% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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
  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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 MG ZS

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

1. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2002 MG ZS as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2002 MG ZS as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the body structure rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2002 MG ZS as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?