2004 MG Zr MOT pass rate: 69.4% (1,997 tests)
Is the 2004 Zr getting worse?
Pass rate of 2004-registered cars across recent test years:
| Test year | Pass rate | |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 67.9% +3.9 vs same-age |
|
| 2024 | 68.8% +4.8 vs same-age |
|
| 2025 | 72.4% +7.1 vs same-age |
The raw rate normally falls as cars age. The “vs same-age” figure compares this cohort with all UK cars registered in the same year, so normal ageing is not mistaken for a bad model year.
What fails on a 2004 Zr
| # | System | Defects recorded | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 511 | 23.9% |
| 2 | Body, chassis, structure | 335 | 15.6% |
| 3 | Brakes | 311 | 14.5% |
| 4 | Noise, emissions and leaks | 292 | 13.6% |
| 5 | Suspension | 245 | 11.4% |
| 6 | Tyres | 140 | 6.5% |
All Zr years compared
| Registration year | Tests | Pass rate | Vs same-age | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1,570 | 69.9% | +4.8 pts | 84,051 |
| 2004 (this page) | 1,997 | 69.4% | +5.1 pts | 79,578 |
- Free MOT history checkThe exact car’s failures, advisories and mileage trail — sellers can’t edit it
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FAQs
Is a 2004 MG Zr reliable?
2004-registered examples passed 69.4% of their MOT tests (1,997 tests, 2023–2025), +5.1 points versus all UK cars registered in the same year. At roughly 22 years old with a median 79,578 miles, condition now varies car by car — always check the individual MOT history.
What mileage is too high for a 2004 Zr?
The median tested example shows 79,578 miles. Anything far beyond that isn't automatically bad — a motorway-mile car with consistent service records often beats a low-mileage school-run car — but price accordingly and scrutinise the mileage trail for gaps or drops.
Source: DVSA Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023–2025 extracts (96 million Class 4 initial tests; retests excluded). Only vehicles old enough for a routine first MOT are included. Age-adjusted figures compare the model-year cohort with all vehicles of the same registration year tested in the same calendar year. Contains public sector information licensed under OGL v3.0.