Used car guide

2017 MG GS: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2017 MG GSs, from 948 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

948MOT tests in 2025
72%pass first time (all 2017 cars: 78%)
6,900typical miles a year
1.9×the usual rate for brake discs

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2017 MG GSs than on all cars registered in 2017.

  • Brake discs1.9× usual
    MG GS
    22.2% All 2017 cars
    11.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.7% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

  • Headlight aim4.1× usual
    MG GS
    7.8% All 2017 cars
    1.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 1.9% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

    At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

  • Coil springs2.7× usual
    MG GS
    7.7% All 2017 cars
    2.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 2% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

  • Side repeaters8.2× usual
    MG GS
    4.9% All 2017 cars
    0.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.4% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Sub-frame10.5× usual
    MG GS
    4.2% All 2017 cars
    0.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

By area

The share of 2017 MG GS MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    33% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    29% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    22% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Suspension
    15% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    8% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    5% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Looking at a MG GS?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2018965Tyres 37%
2016558Tyres 35%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2017 MG GSs registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score