2019 MG ZS Excite EV Electric · AF69 WSD

A clear mechanical thread runs through this MG ZS EV's MOT history, centred entirely on the front lower suspension arm rear bushes. The pattern began in 2023 with an advisory noting that the offside rear bush was starting to delaminate, expanded in 2024 to advisories on both nearside and offside bushes showing wear within tolerance, and culminated in a failure on 2025-12-09 when the offside bush was recorded as excessively worn with the rear bush fully delaminated. A second major item was flagged at the same time, an offside front headlamp not functioning on dipped beam, though this is a straightforward bulb or LED unit replacement. Following the failure, the vehicle returned the next day and passed with no advisories recorded, indicating the suspension components and headlamp were addressed. The defining story is therefore one of progressive front suspension bush deterioration reaching a failure point and then being rectified just prior to a clean pass. Mileage records indicate approximately 30,900 miles accumulated over six years, equating to around 4,400 miles annually. This is a notably low annual figure for any vehicle, including an EV, and suggests either predominantly urban use, occasional weekend running, or extended periods of stationary storage. Annual MOT tests have been conducted consistently from 2022 through 2025 with no testing gaps, confirming continuous road use rather than long-term off-road status. Low mileage of this nature tends to preserve high-wear drivetrain components but can accelerate degradation of rubber bushes, seals, brake components through lack of regular exercise, and potentially affect the 12V auxiliary battery if the vehicle has sat unused for stretches. Given the documented history of front lower suspension arm bush deterioration, particular attention should be paid to this area during any physical inspection. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven surfaces, and feel for vagueness or imprecise turn-in response through the steering. With the wheels raised, the front lower control arm rear bushes can be checked for any free play or visible cracking in the rubber. Because both sides were flagged as worn in 2024 but only the offside progressed to failure in 2025, it is reasonable to verify the condition of the nearside bush, which may have been replaced alongside the offside or could still be approaching the wear threshold. Beyond the suspension, the front brake discs and pads should be inspected for surface corrosion, as low mileage and short journeys can lead to corrosion pitting on the disc faces even when pad material remains thick. Finally, confirm full operation of both headlamps on main and dipped beam, check for any warning lights on the instrument cluster relating to the high-voltage battery management system, and verify the operation of all charging equipment if available.