MG Midget 1500
From 361 MOT tests. Above average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, emissions levels exceed default limits, the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame and spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired. The top issue, a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, caused 16 failures in 2024. If you need repairs before retesting, sites like BookMyGarage let you compare local prices.
| a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 16 |
| emissions levels exceed default limits | 15 |
| the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 15 |
| windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen | 12 |
| a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 8 |
| brakes imbalance across an axle such that the braking effort from any wheel is less than 70% of the maximum effort recorded from the other wheel on the same axle. | 8 |
| the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 6 |
| significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake | 6 |
| stop lamps all missing or inoperative | 6 |
| a steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play | 5 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. 15.5% of Midget 1500 failures could actually strand you: fractured springs, engine faults, exhaust problems. Another 27.8% are safety issues where the car still drives but shouldn't, such as worn brakes, corroded brake pipes, and steering wear. When it does fail, the average repair bill is around £125.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | 79% | the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning |
Typical mileage
Half of all Midget 1500s tested had between 23,063 and 82,969 miles on the clock.
At 58,455 median miles, the Midget 1500 has 0.032 failures per 10,000 miles driven.
Other MG models
| MG Zs | 81.9% |
| MG 3 | 79.4% |
| MG Zs Exclusive Ev | 89.5% |
| MG Tf | 75% |
| MG Mgf | 72.8% |
Common questions
What is the MG Midget 1500 MOT pass rate?
The MG Midget 1500 has a 81.2% MOT pass rate based on 361 real MOT tests. This is above the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a MG Midget 1500?
The most common MOT failure on the MG Midget 1500 is a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, which caused 16 failures. Other common issues include emissions levels exceed default limits.
What is the typical mileage of a MG Midget 1500 at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a MG Midget 1500 is 58,455 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 23,063 and 82,969 miles.
Buying a used Midget 1500?
Start with the free tools. Look up the specific vehicle's MOT history on GOV.UK The mileage at each test will show if it's been wound back, and the advisory history tells you what's wearing. Cross-reference that against the typical failures above to see if anything looks unusual for this model.
The free data won't tell you about outstanding finance, theft markers, or write-off history. For that, you need a vehicle history check This is especially important on a private sale where you have fewer legal protections.
With a 81.2% pass rate and an average repair bill of £125 when things go wrong, budget accordingly.
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MOT data from DVSA anonymised test results, 2024 test year. Fleet data from DfT vehicle licensing statistics. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0. MOT pass rates are statistical summaries of test outcomes, not assessments of individual vehicle safety or condition. Always inspect a vehicle and check its full MOT history before purchasing. See terms of use.