MG Zr (2005)
2005 MG Zr
CarHunch analysed 6,707 real MOT records for the 2005 MG Zr. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2005 MG ZR's 70.6% first-time pass rate sits well below the UK average of 80%, signalling reliability concerns that potential buyers should take seriously. More worryingly, over a quarter (25.6%) of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is a significant red flag for safety-conscious owners.
These 19-year-old ZRs average just over 51,000 miles—relatively modest for their age—yet still rack up nearly 4 failures and 13 advisories per test, suggesting age-related wear rather than exceptional abuse. Before committing to one, have a trusted mechanic inspect the brakes, suspension, and electrical systems thoroughly, as these are the likely culprits dragging down the pass rate.
What to check before buying a 2005 MG Zr
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 25.6% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a MG Zr
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (94%) | 6,305 | 70.7% | 3.86 |
| Diesel (6%) | 400 | 70.1% | 4.25 |
| LPG (0%) | 2 | 69.3% | 3.5 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2005 MG Zr vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2005 MG Zr vehicles fall between 40,573 and 63,460 miles.
2005 MG Zr — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 332 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (7% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2005 MG Zr
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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74.5%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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67.8%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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48.7%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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42.6%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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34.8%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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29%
Oil leak
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26.5%
Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm
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25.5%
Parking brake lever has little reserve travel
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2005. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific MG Zr?
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