2001 MG ZT 2.5L Petrol · RG51 AFA
2001 MG ZT (2.5L, petrol). First registered 01 Oct 2001. Recorded mileage 121,640 miles. MOT expired on 22 Nov 2023.
- Make & Model
- MG ZT
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 22 Nov 2023
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (04 Jul 2023)
- Recorded Mileage
- 121,640 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
RG51 AFA Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 21/11/2022
- 121,640 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RG51 AFA MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Mg Zt (RG51 AFA) between November 2021 and November 2022.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 21 November 2022 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (6 issues), Suspension (6 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (5 issues), Bodywork (3 issues), Tyres (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 22 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Emissions not tested due to excessive exhaust blow (8.2.1.2 (d))”; “Offside Rear Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of”; “Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))”.
RG51 AFA Mileage History
- 04/11/2021119,819 mi
- 14/11/2022121,639 mi+1,820 mi
- 21/11/2022121,640 mi+1 mi
Average of roughly 1,741 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for MG MG ZT / ZT-T
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution due to severe and recurring structural corrosion issues. While the ZT is a capable saloon, the MOT history shows escalating rust that suggests a high-risk investment for any buyer.
The primary concern for this vehicle is its structural integrity. The MOT records repeatedly mention 'integral body structure is corroded' and 'excessive corrosion' affecting strength within 30cm of a body mounting outer sill. You must have a professional rust inspection performed to check the sills, floor pans, and suspension mounting points. If the rust is deep-seated, the cost of repairs will likely exceed the market value of the car.
Mechanically, check the steering rack inner joints, which have been noted for having play, and the condition of the brake pipes, which have shown consistent corrosion over several years. Look for a service history that demonstrates regular oil changes, as the 2.5L engine requires consistent maintenance. Given the age and the known issues, negotiate the price significantly downwards to account for potential immediate structural work and future MOT failures.
Equipped with a 2.5L petrol engine, you should expect relatively high fuel consumption, likely averaging between 25-30 mpg depending on driving style. It falls into a higher tax band and insurance group due to the engine size and the car's performance profile.
Maintenance costs can be higher than average as parts for older MG models are becoming increasingly specialist. Estimate your annual running costs, including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance, to be between £1,600 and £2,100.
Focus your inspection heavily on the underside of the car. The MOT history from the November 2022 failure specifically highlighted major corrosion near the body mounting outer sill; this is a critical safety point. Check all brake pipes for thinning or scaling, as these have been an advisory item since at least 2020.
Examine the steering for any knocks or play, as the rack inner joints have been flagged. Also check the exhaust system for leaks, as the vehicle previously failed on a major exhaust leak and excessive blow which prevented emissions testing. Finally, inspect the lower suspension arms for rust decay, as these have been noted as corroded in multiple MOT tests.
This 2001 MG ZT has covered approximately 121,640 miles, which is consistent with its age. While it has passed several MOTs, the history reveals a persistent pattern of significant corrosion affecting the body structure, brake pipes, and suspension components. The failure in 2022 for major structural corrosion near the outer sill indicates the vehicle may be nearing the end of its structural life.
The MG ZT is based on Rover 75 components; while known for good handling, they are prone to electrical gremlins and structural rust if not cared for.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Common Problems: MG ZT
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- ECU Flooding (Blocked Drains)(Serious)
The plenum chamber drains block with leaves, causing water to rise and submerge the engine ECU.
- Front Coil Spring Breakage(Moderate)
The front coil springs are prone to snapping due to fierce corrosion, particularly on UK roads with salt and potholes. This is a common MOT failure.
- K-Series Head Gasket Failure (1.8 Petrol)(Serious)
The 1.8 K-Series petrol engine is prone to head gasket failure if the cooling system is neglected. Symptoms include overheating and oil/coolant mixing.
- Brake Pipe Corrosion(Serious)
The brake pipes can corrode, particularly in areas where road salt is used. This is a serious safety concern and a common MOT failure point.
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MG ZT Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2001 model year cars.
- ECU Flooding (Blocked Drains)Serious
The plenum chamber drains block with leaves, causing water to rise and submerge the engine ECU.
- Front Coil Spring BreakageModerate
The front coil springs are prone to snapping due to fierce corrosion, particularly on UK roads with salt and potholes. This is a common MOT failure.
- K-Series Head Gasket Failure (1.8 Petrol)Serious
The 1.8 K-Series petrol engine is prone to head gasket failure if the cooling system is neglected. Symptoms include overheating and oil/coolant mixing.
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