2016 MG 6: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 MG 6?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 MG 6 than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Brake pads2.1× usual
  MG 6

  21.9% All 2016 cars

  10.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Rigid brake pipes5.7× usual
  MG 6

  8.5% All 2016 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints21.5× usual
  MG 6

  4.3% All 2016 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Headlight aim2.8× usual
  MG 6

  5.9% All 2016 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 2.1% of all 2016 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.

• Headlights3.6× usual
  MG 6

  5.1% All 2016 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1.3% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 2016 MG 6 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 MG 6 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  39% 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.

• Tyres
  38% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  20% 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
  18% 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
  6% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 MG 6

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2016 MG 6 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 5.7× as often on the 2016 MG 6 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 21.5× as often on the 2016 MG 6 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?