2021 MG HS Exclusive Phev Auto 1.5L Hybrid electric · AF70 EXU

The MG HS PHEV presents a mixed maintenance trend that has worsened over time. In the January 2026 test at 74,002 miles, the tester flagged both rear brake discs as worn, pitted, or scored on their inner faces. This is not a new problem. The same rear disc defect appeared in the January 2025 test at 37,282 miles, when both rear pads were also wearing thin. The vehicle has essentially carried a rear braking deficiency for over a year, and the condition has persisted or recurred despite the 2025 advisory. That suggests either the discs were not replaced after the first flag, or a replacement was done with parts that have deteriorated rapidly under heavy use. The mileage accumulation tells a clear story. Between January 2024 at 22,613 miles and January 2025 at 37,282 miles, the car covered roughly 14,670 miles in twelve months. From January 2025 to January 2026, it added another 36,720 miles, taking the total to 74,002. That is an exceptionally high annual rate, nearly double the first year of recorded use. Such sustained high mileage accelerates wear on consumable components, particularly brakes, tyres, and suspension bushes. The recurring rear brake defects are consistent with a vehicle that has been driven hard and frequently, likely covering motorway or long-distance journeys where braking demands are repeated and sustained. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the rear braking system first. The inner faces of both rear discs have been flagged twice, which points to either caliper drag, inadequate pad compound quality, or insufficient disc thickness after prior replacement. Check for uneven pad wear, caliper slide pin seizure, and disc thickness against manufacturer minimums. The rear pads were already thin in 2025, so verify whether they were actually replaced or simply left to degrade further. Also inspect the handbrake mechanism on the rear calipers, as PHEV rear brakes often serve dual duty and are prone to binding. Beyond the brakes, the high mileage demands a thorough suspension and drivetrain check. Inspect front and rear coil springs for sag or cracking, and examine all suspension bushes and drop links for play. Check tyre condition and wear patterns across all four corners, as high-mileage PHEVs place extra stress on tyres through regenerative braking and torque delivery. Finally, verify the charging port condition, high-voltage cable routing, and coolant levels for the battery thermal management system, as these are critical to the PHEV powertrain and not visible in the MOT record.