2004 MG ZR 1.4L Petrol · RL53 APO
2004 MG ZR (1.4L, petrol). First registered 01 Jan 2004. Recorded mileage 64,989 miles. MOT expired on 05 Dec 2013. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- MG ZR
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 05 Dec 2013
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 64,989 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.4L
- 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.
RL53 APO Key Findings
- 9 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 26/11/2012
- 64,989 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RL53 APO MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
9 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 Mg Zr (RL53 APO) between December 2007 and November 2012.
The record contains 6 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 26 November 2012 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 3 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (5 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
Recorded failure items include: “Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)”.
RL53 APO Mileage History
- 05/12/200725,882 mi
- 05/12/200725,882 mi
- 04/12/200833,969 mi+8,087 mi
- 04/12/200833,969 mi
- 02/12/200941,953 mi+7,984 mi
- 16/11/201049,985 mi+8,032 mi
- 06/12/201158,193 mi+8,208 mi
- 06/12/201158,193 mi
- 26/11/201264,989 mi+6,796 mi
Average of roughly 7,856 miles per year across 9 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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.
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.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (RL53 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as RL53APO.
FORD
MONDEO
TOYOTA
RAV-4
BMW
3 SERIES
BMW
M3
BMW
320 CI SE AUTO
BMW
3 SERIES
MINI
MINI
BMW
M135I AUTO
MINI
MINI
MERCEDES-BENZ
E
BMW
530
BMW
3 SERIES
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 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.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.