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MG GT Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults

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Is the MG GT reliable? We analysed 3,490 real MOT tests across 331 vehicles to find out.

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Data last updated: · Based on 3,490 real MOT tests
MOT Pass Rate
77.1%
Typical Mileage
44,954mi
Annual Mileage
419mi/yr
Est. Lifespan
60yrs

The MG GT is above average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid, brake binding and parking brake: efficiency below requirements. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used MG GT.

MG GT Number Plates

Number plates registered to a MG GT. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.

MG GT MOT Pass Rate by Year

How likely is a MG GT to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.

74.5%
1981
69.8%
1980
73.6%
1979
71.9%
1978
60.6%
1977
72.7%
1976
82.4%
1975
80.8%
1974
79.3%
1973
75.3%
1972
77.8%
1971
80%
1970
82.5%
1969
82.1%
1968
77%
1967
77.7%
1966

MG GT Problems — What Goes Wrong?

The most common reasons a MG GT fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 114
brake binding 81
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 77
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive 68
Steering rack gaiter split 63
Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded 62
Stop lamp not working 59
Horn not working 58
Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded 54
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 52

MG GT Mileage — What's Normal?

How many miles does a typical MG GT owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.

Low usage
139 mi/yr
Typical
419 mi/yr
Average
1,030 mi/yr
Heavy usage
998 mi/yr

MG GT MOT Data by Registration Year

Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the MG GT year you're looking at.

Year Tests Pass Rate Low Mi. Typical Mi. High Mi.
1981 231 74.5% 11,924 33,536 53,344
1980 255 69.8% 43,424 63,225 82,966
1979 250 73.6% 23,862 49,562 69,525
1978 263 71.9% 24,156 45,048 81,014
1977 66 60.6% 48,993 58,946 63,463
1976 55 72.7% 64,446 72,672 77,072
1975 312 82.4% 10,038 22,682 62,486
1974 120 80.8% 24,544 44,511 66,488
1973 334 79.3% 31,947 69,344 83,229
1972 364 75.3% 17,567 34,909 67,623
1971 315 77.8% 23,331 51,146 80,158
1970 220 80.0% 10,980 49,146 79,198
1969 217 82.5% 17,219 33,038 51,167
1968 134 82.1% 28,806 45,846 59,728
1967 187 77.0% 18,726 33,141 70,476
1966 94 77.7% 16,850 30,560 56,470

How Long Does a MG GT Last?

Based on 331 MG GT vehicles on UK roads.

Average
42.7 years
Median
44.0 years
Estimated max lifespan
60 years

MG GT Mileage Distribution

Total mileage recorded across all MG GT MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.

Median
44,954 mi
75th Percentile
72,756 mi
95th Percentile
93,296 mi
Max Recorded
799,160 mi

Best Year to Buy a Used MG GT

Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.

Best year
1969

82.5% MOT pass rate from 217 tests

Year to avoid
1977

60.6% MOT pass rate from 66 tests

The best year to buy a used MG GT is 1969, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 82.5% across 217 tests. The 1977 model year has the lowest pass rate at 60.6% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

How Does the MG GT Compare?

MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.

Model Pass Rate Tests Typical Mileage Lifespan
MG GT THIS CAR 77.1% 3,490 44,954 mi 60 yrs
MG Zr 69.8% 651,705 57,257 mi 25 yrs
MG Mgf 66.7% 546,238 62,469 mi 31 yrs
MG Tf 72.8% 475,348 45,249 mi 24 yrs
Moto Guzzi V85 Tt 94.7% 1,736 9,133 mi — yrs

Compared to the MG Zr (69.8% pass rate) and the MG Mgf (66.7% pass rate), the MG GT outperforms both on MOT reliability.

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Should you buy a used MG GT?

The MG GT has an overall MOT pass rate of 77.1% across 3,490 real MOT tests — comfortably above the UK average, which puts it among the more reliable models on UK roads.

The most common problems on the MG GT are windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (114 recorded failures), brake binding (81), and parking brake: efficiency below requirements (77). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.

A typical MG GT owner drives around 419 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.

In terms of longevity, most MG GT models stay on UK roads for around 60 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.

Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.

MG GT — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the MG GT reliable?
Based on 3,490 MOT tests, the MG GT has a 77.1% pass rate — above the UK average, suggesting good reliability.
What are the common problems on a MG GT?
The most common MOT failures are windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid, brake binding, and parking brake: efficiency below requirements. Check these on any test drive.
How many miles does a MG GT do per year?
The typical MG GT does around 419 miles per year. Anything significantly above or below this is worth investigating.
How long does a MG GT last?
Most MG GT models stay on UK roads for around 60 years based on our analysis of 331 vehicles.
Should I get a vehicle check before buying a MG GT?
Yes. An MOT pass rate tells you about the model in general, but a vehicle history check reveals the specific car's finance, stolen, write-off and mileage history — things the seller may not disclose.
What is the best year to buy a MG GT?
Based on MOT pass rates, the best year to buy a used MG GT is 1969 with a 82.5% pass rate across 217 tests.