2018 MG GS: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 MG GS?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 MG GS than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Brake discs1.9× usual
  MG GS

  18.2% All 2018 cars

  9.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.5% of all 2018 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 aim3.7× usual
  MG GS

  5.9% All 2018 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 1.6% of all 2018 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 springs3.9× usual
  MG GS

  4.3% All 2018 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.9% of all 2018 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.

• Anti-lock braking system29× usual
  MG GS

  2.9% All 2018 cars

  0.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 0.1% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Airbag warning light12.5× usual
  MG GS

  2.5% All 2018 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.2% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2018 MG GS MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 MG GS MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  34% 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
  24% 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
  17% 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
  6% 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
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  4% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 MG GS

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 discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2018 MG GS as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlight aim? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2018 MG GS as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2018 MG GS as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?