2022 MG 5 Exclusive Electric · WD22 BNN

A recurring front suspension concern defines the mechanical profile of this 2022 MG 5 Exclusive, with the offside front lower arm pin or bush appearing as an advisory in 2025 and again in 2026, and escalating to a Major defect on the nearside front lower arm pin or bush on the failed test of 25 June 2025. That failure caused the car to fail its MOT outright, but a retest the following day on 26 June 2025 saw the vehicle pass, with the offside front bush again flagged as worn but within tolerance. The latest test on 24 June 2026 returned a pass, with both the nearside rear shock absorber showing light oil misting and the offside front lower arm pin or bush noted as worn but not resulting in excessive movement. The pattern indicates that the front suspension bushes have been a chronic source of wear across consecutive tests, with one side previously exceeding the pass threshold and the other side consistently bordering on it. The recent rear shock misting is a new entry that warrants monitoring, as light oil filming on dampers is typically the precursor to a more pronounced leak. With four years on the road and 41,945 recorded miles, the vehicle averages roughly 10,486 miles per year, which is a moderate and broadly expected rate of accumulation for a car of this age. There are no extended gaps in testing history and no sudden unexplained jumps in the recorded odometer figure between tests, so the mileage progression reads as consistent and continuous use. This level of usage is sufficient to deliver meaningful wear to consumable items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension components, but it is not the kind of high annual mileage that would typically accelerate structural or drivetrain fatigue. The absence of any emissions failures, brake, or tyre advisories across the recorded tests suggests those wear items have not yet reached replacement thresholds under DVSA criteria. For a prospective buyer, the front lower suspension arm pins and bushes should be the primary focus of any physical inspection, as both sides have now appeared in the record, albeit only one to a failing standard. On a test drive, listen for sharp clonks or dull thuds transmitted through the front end when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or delay in steering response that could indicate the worn bushes are allowing excessive arm movement. With the engine switched off and the car jacked, the lower arms should be checked by hand for play at the pin or bush interface, and the condition of the nearside front bush specifically inspected as it previously failed. The nearside rear shock absorber should be examined for any progression of the oil misting into a wet seal or visible drip, and a test drive over undulating road surfaces should be used to detect any extension bounce or loss of damping. Given the escalating nature of the front suspension advisories and the previous Major defect, obtaining a clear understanding of whether any components have been replaced or repaired since June 2025 is essential before purchase. The retest pass the day after the failure suggests remedial work was carried out, but without service documentation confirming this, it remains uncertain whether the bushes were renewed or simply assessed as within tolerance at that time. The shock absorber oil misting is at an early stage and should be photographed and re-examined before the next MOT, as sealing deterioration on dampers tends to progress once initiated. Beyond the flagged items, a general inspection of the underbody for corrosion, a check of all four tyres for even wear patterns, and a thorough road test covering braking, steering, and ride quality will help confirm whether the rest of the vehicle is in line with its recorded usage and test history.