1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 MG Mgf MOT pass rate and common faults

511 MOT tests in 2024. 66.0% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

100About average
Passed first time66.0%
Failed or needed repairs34.1%
Typical mileage at test69,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 511 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits6.7%
  2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits6.1%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements6.1%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits5.9%
  5. Rear fog lamp: not working3.9%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.5%
  7. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.3%
  8. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements2.9%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.7%
  10. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.7%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Emissions & leaks30.1%
  2. Lights & electrics21.3%
  3. Brakes19.0%
  4. Suspension15.1%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.6%
  6. Steering5.7%
  7. Body & chassis5.5%
  8. Tyres3.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.3%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.2%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded7.4%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn7.4%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened7.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Mgf years1997 Mgf →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 MG Mgf?

In 2024, 66.0% of 1996 MG Mgf cars passed their MOT first time, across 511 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 MG Mgf?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1996 MG Mgf reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 100, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).