2002 MG ZR 1.8L Petrol · RL51 VMH
2002 MG ZR (1.8L, petrol). First registered 30 Jan 2002. Recorded mileage 105,822 miles. MOT valid until 13 Feb 2027.
- Make & Model
- MG ZR
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 13 Feb 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 105,822 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.
RL51 VMH Key Findings
- 28 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 29/01/2026
- 105,822 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 7 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RL51 VMH MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
28 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 Mg Zr (RL51 VMH) between January 2006 and January 2026.
The record contains 21 passes and 7 failures.
The most recent test on 29 January 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 7 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (11 issues), Tyres (7 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (6 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Suspension (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 20 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: “Nearside Front Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (6.1.7”; “Nearside Rear Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))”; “Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))”.
RL51 VMH Mileage History
- 05/01/200622,118 mi
- 03/01/200728,796 mi+6,678 mi
- 29/01/200838,356 mi+9,560 mi
- 29/01/200838,356 mi
- 26/01/200940,728 mi+2,372 mi
- 01/02/201043,584 mi+2,856 mi
- 31/01/201150,821 mi+7,237 mi
- 17/01/201259,165 mi+8,344 mi
- 28/01/201363,581 mi+4,416 mi
- 22/01/201467,973 mi+4,392 mi
- 22/01/201467,973 mi
- 22/01/201572,994 mi+5,021 mi
- 28/01/201676,777 mi+3,783 mi
- 31/01/201781,885 mi+5,108 mi
- 19/01/201885,617 mi+3,732 mi
- 23/01/201885,618 mi+1 mi
- 17/01/201990,840 mi+5,222 mi
- 23/01/202094,420 mi+3,580 mi
- 28/01/202195,986 mi+1,566 mi
- 18/01/202297,707 mi+1,721 mi
- 20/01/202297,709 mi+2 mi
- 17/01/2023100,173 mi+2,464 mi
- 09/02/2023100,182 mi+9 mi
- 14/02/2023100,187 mi+5 mi
- 16/01/2024102,595 mi+2,408 mi
- 28/01/2025104,434 mi+1,839 mi
- 28/01/2026105,819 mi+1,385 mi
- 29/01/2026105,822 mi+3 mi
Average of roughly 4,172 miles per year across 28 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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: Good
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.
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.
- 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.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2002 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.
- 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.
- Coil Pack FailureModerate
The ignition coil pack is known for failing on the ZR, causing misfires, rough running, and difficulty starting.
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