2004 MG ZR 1.4L Petrol · YY04 XSJ

The MG ZR passed its most recent MOT on 22 May 2026 at 70,760 miles, just under a month before today's date, meaning the certificate is current and unusually fresh. The maintenance trend is broadly stable but not without recurring structural concerns. The tester flagged corroded brake pipes covered in grease, slightly worn rear axle swivel pins and bushes on both sides, a minor oil leak, and front brake pads wearing thin. None of these are fresh failures, yet the pattern of corrosion and seepage advisories has persisted across multiple years, suggesting the car has been kept roadworthy rather than thoroughly restored. At roughly 3,216 miles per year, the mileage is low for a 2004 vehicle, which typically reduces wear on drivetrain and suspension components but can mask long periods of inactivity. The record shows a clear gap between April 2024 at 59,260 miles and May 2026 at 70,760 miles, representing 11,500 miles in just over two years, a notable acceleration after years of slower accumulation. Between 2023 and 2024 the car covered only around 3,500 miles annually, while the 2025 test at 63,457 miles sits neatly within that range. The mileage progression is plausible and consistent with genuine use, with no obvious anomalies suggesting clocking. A buyer should inspect the underside carefully, focusing on the rear axle mountings and inner sills. In March 2023 the car failed with excessively corroded rear suspension mounting points and a seriously weakened offside front sub-frame, yet by April 2024 the same areas were described as corroded but not excessive, indicating repairs or treatment were carried out. The 2025 advisory noted general under-body corrosion, so the structural integrity of the floor, sub-frame, and seat belt anchorages warrants close examination. The front service brake fluctuation advisory appeared in both 2023 tests, and while it did not recur, the front pads were wearing thin in 2026, so disc condition and caliper operation should be checked. The track rod end dust cover and power steering seepage advisories from 2024 and 2025 suggest steering components have been monitored but not necessarily replaced, and any clonk or play in the rack should be tested on a drive.