2016 MG 3 1.5L Petrol · AE66 VBB

A pattern of tyre degradation and front‑end wear defines this MG 3’s MOT record: recurring advisories for cracking or perishing tread appear on every test from 2021 onward, and a major failure for an excessively worn nearside front suspension arm pin or bush was recorded in 2023. Although the most recent 2026 test passed without defects, the earlier steering‑rack inner joint play advisory in 2024 indicates that front‑end geometry has required attention, while the tyre condition has remained a persistent concern. At just 59,850 mi after ten years the annual mileage averages roughly 5,900 mi, well below the typical usage rate for a small family hatchback. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited driving or storage, which can accelerate rubber hardening and exacerbate tyre cracking, as reflected in the MOT notes. The modest mileage also means that wear on drivetrain components, brakes and major suspension elements is likely to be less severe than on a higher‑mileage counterpart, but the recorded suspension arm wear suggests that even limited use has not protected the bushings from ageing or corrosion. When inspecting the car, focus first on the tyre set: examine each tyre for visible cracks, tread separation, or bulges, and verify that tread depth exceeds the legal 1.6 mm across the entire width. Feel for any vibration or pulsation at 50‑70 mph that could signal internal tyre damage, and listen for a hollow thump when the steering wheel is turned sharply, which may reveal lingering play in the nearside rack joint. A quick visual check of the front suspension arms for looseness, oil seepage or cracked bushings, followed by a low‑speed drive over a speed bump, should expose any clunking or excessive movement indicative of the previously failed arm. Finally, confirm that the off‑side front wiper now clears the screen effectively, as a failure was logged in 2022, and verify that all lights, brakes and steering respond promptly with no judder or pull. While the MOT history shows no current brake or emission failures, a thorough road test for pedal feel, brake fade under moderate braking and consistent steering response will help ensure that the earlier front‑end issues have been remedied and that the vehicle’s low mileage has not concealed hidden wear.