2004 MG ZR 1.8L Petrol · PJ04 RHY
2004 MG ZR (1.8L, petrol). First registered 31 Mar 2004. Recorded mileage 76,954 miles. MOT expired on 05 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- MG ZR
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 05 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Oct 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 76,954 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- 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.
PJ04 RHY Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 26/09/2025
- 76,954 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
PJ04 RHY MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 Mg Zr (PJ04 RHY) between October 2022 and September 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 26 September 2025 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 (8 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). 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: “Offside Front Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”.
PJ04 RHY Mileage History
- 04/10/202272,830 mi
- 03/10/202374,438 mi+1,608 mi
- 27/09/202475,325 mi+887 mi
- 26/09/202576,954 mi+1,629 mi
- 26/09/202576,954 mi
Average of roughly 1,384 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for MG MG ZR
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
Exercise caution. While the mileage is l
Prioritise a thorough chassis inspection. The MOT records from 2024 and 2025 specifically highlight corrosion in prescribed areas, including the rear outer suspension mountings and the offside outer seat belt anchorage. You should negotiate the price based on the likely need for rust remediation to prevent these advisories from becoming failures.
Check the service records for evidence of oil leak repairs, as a leak was noted in October 2023. Given the age of the vehicle, ensure that the CV boots and brake hoses—both flagged in recent years—have been replaced rather than just monitored, as these are critical for safety and longevity.
The 1796cc petrol engine offers a balance of performance but will have higher fuel consumption than the smaller ZR variants. As a 2004 model, it falls into an older tax bracket based on CO2 emissions, and insurance groups for the ZR are generally moderate, though this varies by driver profile.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average due to the vehicle's age. The MOT history suggests a need for ongoing attention to the braking system and chassis rust prevention. Expect annual spending to be weighted towards preventative maintenance and fuel.
Carefully inspect the rear outer suspension component mounting areas and the sills, as these were flagged for corrosion in the September 2025 test. The front anti-roll bar was also noted as corroded in 2023 and 2024; check if this has deteriorated further.
Examine the rear brake discs and hoses, which have been recurring advisories since 2022. Additionally, check the condition of the front tyres and CV boots, as the vehicle suffered a failure for tyre structure in 2025 and had 'severely deteriorated' CV boots noted in 2022 and 2023.
This 2004 Blue MG ZR 1.8 has recorded 76,954 miles. The MOT history shows a recurring pattern of corrosion on the sills, anti-roll bar, and suspension mountings, alongside multiple advisories regarding brake disc wear and CV boot deterioration. The vehicle failed its most recent MOT in September 2025 due to structural tyre failure before passing.
Based on aggregate data from 3,580 vehicles, the MG ZR has an average MOT pass rate of 73.7%, with corrosion cited as a top reason for failure.
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 ZR
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- K-Series Head Gasket Failure (HGF)(Serious)
The K-Series engine is prone to head gasket failure due to its small coolant capacity and plastic locating dowels that allow the head to shift.
- SCU / BCU Failure (Pektron)(Moderate)
Later models (2003+) use a Pektron SCU that controls windows, fobs, and wipers. It is notorious for relay failure.
- Worn Front Suspension(Moderate)
The front suspension bushes and ball joints wear out, leading to vague steering, knocking noises, and poor handling. This is a common MOT failure point and can be exacerbated by hard driving.
- Coil Pack Failure(Moderate)
The ignition coil pack is known for failing on the ZR, causing misfires, rough running, and difficulty starting.
- Door Lock Failure(Moderate)
The door lock actuators, particularly on the driver's door, are known to fail, making it difficult to lock or unlock the car.
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MG ZR Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2004 model year cars.
- K-Series Head Gasket Failure (HGF)Serious
The K-Series engine is prone to head gasket failure due to its small coolant capacity and plastic locating dowels that allow the head to shift.
- SCU / BCU Failure (Pektron)Moderate
Later models (2003+) use a Pektron SCU that controls windows, fobs, and wipers. It is notorious for relay failure.
- Worn Front SuspensionModerate
The front suspension bushes and ball joints wear out, leading to vague steering, knocking noises, and poor handling. This is a common MOT failure point and can be exacerbated by hard driving.
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