MG ZT Buying Guide & Reliability (2001-2007)

MG ZT Overview The MG ZT is a mid-size car produced by MG from 2001 to 2007, with a total of 106 registration plates recorded. This model is known for its distinctive styling and sporty performance, appealing to enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.

Last updated September 07, 2025 1998 words Based on real UK vehicle data

MG ZT Overview

MG ZT Overview

The MG ZT is a mid-size car produced by MG from 2001 to 2007, with a total of 106 registration plates recorded. This model is known for its distinctive styling and sporty performance, appealing to enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.

During its production run, the MG ZT underwent various updates, with a notable distribution of vehicles across the years. The highest number of registrations occurred in 2002, with 28 vehicles, while the least were registered in 2007, with only 1 vehicle recorded.

In terms of performance, the MG ZT has a respectable MOT pass rate of 72.7%, indicating a reasonable level of reliability among its owners. However, common failures have been noted in several categories, with brakes (7 failures) and suspension (4 failures) being the most frequent issues reported. Lighting and other miscellaneous failures also contributed to the overall statistics.

The fuel type distribution for the MG ZT shows a strong preference for petrol, with 83 petrol vehicles compared to 22 diesel and just 1 LPG variant. This suggests that the MG ZT is primarily seen as a petrol-driven vehicle, aligning with the preferences of many UK drivers.

Colour preferences among MG ZT owners reveal a trend towards grey (32 vehicles), followed by blue (18), silver (17), and black (14). This variety in colour options allows for a degree of personalisation among owners.

As of the latest data, 48 MG ZT vehicles are untaxed, while 43 are declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), and only 15 are currently taxed. This indicates a significant number of vehicles may not be actively on the road.

Data accuracy is subject to change, and the statistics provided are based on the latest available information.

Reliability and MOT Performance

The MG ZT, produced between 2001 and 2007, has a total of 106 registered vehicles. With an overall MOT pass rate of 72.7%, this model demonstrates a reasonable level of reliability for its age. However, potential buyers should be aware of common issues that may arise during MOT testing.

Among the 1,401 MOT tests conducted on the MG ZT, the most frequent reasons for failure were related to brakes, suspension, and lighting. Specifically, brakes accounted for 7 failures, while suspension and lighting issues contributed to 4 failures each. Other common failures included various categories, with 3 failures classified as 'Other' and 2 related to exhaust and emissions.

The distribution of fuel types for the MG ZT shows a predominance of petrol engines, with 83 petrol vehicles compared to 22 diesel and just 1 LPG variant. This fuel distribution may influence the vehicle's performance and maintenance costs, particularly in relation to emissions standards.

In terms of colour, grey is the most popular choice among MG ZT owners, with 32 vehicles registered in this shade. Other common colours include blue (18), silver (17), black (14), and green (12). This variety may appeal to different aesthetic preferences among potential buyers.

When considering the age distribution of the MG ZT, the majority of vehicles are from the earlier years of production, with 28 registered in 2002 and 26 in 2003. This suggests that many of these vehicles are now older and may require more attention to maintenance and repairs.

It is important to note that 48 of the registered vehicles are currently untaxed, while 43 are declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). Only 15 vehicles are actively taxed, which may indicate a trend in ownership or usage patterns.

Data accuracy is subject to change, and potential buyers should verify the current status of any vehicle before making a purchase.

What to Check When Buying Used

When considering a used MG ZT, there are several key factors to evaluate to ensure a satisfactory purchase. With a total of 106 registration plates recorded, this model was produced between 2001 and 2007, making it essential to check the specific year of the vehicle you are interested in.

The MG ZT has an MOT pass rate of 72.7%, which indicates that while many vehicles are roadworthy, a significant number may have issues. It is advisable to review the vehicle's MOT history for any recurring problems.

Common failures noted in MOT tests include brakes (7 failures), suspension (4 failures), and lighting (4 failures). These areas should be thoroughly inspected, as they are critical for safety and performance. Additionally, there are failures related to exhaust and emissions (2 failures) and other miscellaneous issues (3 failures) that should also be considered.

Fuel type is another important aspect, with 83 petrol, 22 diesel, and 1 LPG variant available. Depending on your preferences and driving habits, this may influence your choice. Furthermore, the colour distribution shows that grey is the most common colour (32 vehicles), followed by blue (18), silver (17), black (14), and green (12).

It is also worth noting that the average annual mileage for the MG ZT is approximately 2,920 miles. This figure can help you gauge the vehicle's usage and potential wear and tear. Additionally, be aware of the tax status; 48 vehicles are untaxed, 43 are SORN, and only 15 are currently taxed.

In summary, when buying a used MG ZT, ensure to check the MOT history, common failure points, fuel type, colour, and tax status. Always verify the data accuracy and consult with a professional if needed.

Running Costs and Specifications

Running Costs and Specifications

The MG ZT, produced between 2001 and 2007, has a total of 106 registration plates recorded in the UK. This model has an average MOT pass rate of 72.7%, indicating a reasonable level of reliability for its age. However, potential buyers should be aware of common failure categories, with brakes (7 failures), suspension (4 failures), and lighting (4 failures) being the most frequently reported issues.

In terms of fuel type distribution, the MG ZT predominantly runs on petrol, with 83 petrol variants compared to 22 diesel and just 1 LPG model. This suggests that petrol is the preferred choice for owners, likely due to its availability and performance characteristics.

Colour preferences for the MG ZT show a notable trend, with grey being the most popular choice (32 vehicles), followed by blue (18), silver (17), black (14), and green (12). This variety allows potential buyers to select a model that suits their aesthetic preferences.

The year distribution of the MG ZT indicates a higher concentration of models from 2002 (28 vehicles) and 2003 (26 vehicles), suggesting these years may have been particularly popular among buyers. The latest models registered include those from 2007, with only 1 vehicle recorded.

Regarding tax status, a significant number of MG ZTs are currently untaxed (48 vehicles) or declared SORN (43 vehicles), with only 15 vehicles actively taxed. This may reflect the model's age and the changing preferences of car owners.

With an average annual mileage of 2,920 miles, the MG ZT is not typically used as a daily driver, which may contribute to its overall condition and maintenance needs.

Data accuracy is subject to change, and potential buyers should verify details before making a purchase.

Alternative Models to Consider

If you're considering the MG ZT, it’s worth exploring some alternative models that may suit your needs. The MG ZT, produced between 2001 and 2007, has a total of 106 registered vehicles in the UK, with a notable MOT pass rate of 72.7%. However, potential buyers should be aware of common issues, particularly in the brakes (7 failures), suspension (4 failures), and lighting (4 failures).

For those looking for similar vehicles, the Ford Mondeo is a strong contender. Known for its reliability and spacious interior, the Mondeo has a wide range of engine options and a solid reputation for performance. Additionally, the Vauxhall Insignia offers a modern design and a comfortable ride, making it a popular choice among family car buyers.

Another alternative is the BMW 3 Series, which combines luxury with performance. While it may come at a higher price point, the 3 Series is renowned for its driving dynamics and build quality. If you prefer a more compact option, the Audi A4 is also worth considering, offering a premium feel and advanced technology.

In terms of fuel types, the MG ZT has a distribution of 83 petrol, 22 diesel, and 1 LPG vehicle. This variety allows for flexibility depending on your fuel preference. The colour distribution of the MG ZT shows a predominance of grey (32), followed by blue (18) and silver (17), which may influence your choice based on aesthetics.

It’s important to note that 48 of the registered MG ZTs are untaxed, and 43 are SORN, indicating that many may not be actively on the road. Always ensure to check the latest data and vehicle history before making a purchase decision.

Data accuracy is subject to change, and it is advisable to verify the latest statistics and vehicle conditions before proceeding with any purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What years was the MG ZT produced?

The MG ZT was produced from 2001 to 2007, with a total of 106 registration plates recorded during this period.

What is the MOT pass rate for the MG ZT?

The MG ZT has an MOT pass rate of 72.7%, indicating that a significant majority of these vehicles pass their annual tests.

What are the common reasons for MOT failures?

Common failures for the MG ZT include issues with brakes (7 failures), suspension (4 failures), and lighting (4 failures). Other categories with noted failures include exhaust and emissions (2 failures) and miscellaneous issues (3 failures).

What fuel types are available for the MG ZT?

The MG ZT is predominantly available in petrol (83 units), with a smaller number of diesel (22 units) and LPG (1 unit) options.

What colours are most common for the MG ZT?

The most common colours for the MG ZT are grey (32 units), blue (18 units), and silver (17 units). Other colours include black (14 units) and green (12 units).

How many MG ZTs are currently taxed?

Out of the total registrations, 15 MG ZTs are currently taxed, while 48 are untaxed and 43 are declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification).

What is the average annual mileage for the MG ZT?

The average annual mileage for the MG ZT is approximately 2,920 miles, which can be useful for assessing the vehicle's usage and wear.

Disclaimer: The data presented here is based on available statistics and may not reflect the most current information. Always verify details with official sources.

Data Source: This guide is based on analysis of extensive UK vehicle database in our database, including MOT test results and DVLA records.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for guidance only and is based on historical data in our database. Always verify current vehicle details with official sources and get a professional inspection before purchase.

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