2021 MG HS Exclusive 1.5L Petrol · LJ21 KJR

The 2021 MG HS Exclusive presents a mixed but broadly stable mechanical picture as of its most recent MOT on 29 May 2026 at 68,029 miles. The vehicle passed that test, yet the tester flagged an offside rear tyre with cracking or perishing to the tread and outer sidewall along with a cut that had not yet reached the ply or cords. This follows a pattern of recurring tyre deterioration rather than a single isolated defect. The maintenance trend is not sharply worsening, but it is not fully resolving either. Tyre condition has appeared as an advisory or failure item in three of the last four tests, suggesting that basic consumable upkeep has been inconsistent rather than systematically neglected. The mileage profile is notable. In roughly five years the car has covered 68,029 miles, averaging about 13,606 miles per year, which is high for a family SUV of this age. The record shows a jump from 46,377 miles in June 2024 to 57,267 miles by May 2025, an increase of nearly 10,900 miles in under twelve months, followed by a further 10,762 miles to the May 2026 test. That sustained annual rate places above-average stress on suspension bushes, brake components, drivetrain mounts, and cooling system parts. The MOT record itself is fairly complete, with no large unexplained gaps, though the single clean pass in June 2024 stands in contrast to the more frequent tyre and brake findings before and after. The May 2025 failure at 57,267 miles is the most technically revealing entry in the file. The tester recorded worn and pitted rear brake discs, rear brake pads worn down to the wear indicator on the inner side, rear brake imbalance across the axle, and brake fluid close to the minimum mark. Those findings point to a period where the rear braking system was operating close to its service limits. Although the subsequent 2026 test passed, the record does not confirm whether the discs, pads, or fluid were replaced or simply remained within tolerance. A buyer should have the rear braking system inspected in detail, including disc thickness measurement, pad depth, caliper slide pin operation, and a brake fluid boil-point or moisture test. Tyre condition is the clearest recurring theme. Cracking, perishing, and low tread have appeared on the offside front in 2025, the nearside front and nearside rear in 2025, and the offside rear in 2026. That spread across multiple wheels and both axles suggests either prolonged exposure to UV and temperature cycling, underinflation, or extended periods of standing rather than simple neglect. A buyer should check the date codes on all four tyres, inspect the sidewalls for perishing between the tread blocks, and verify that the tracking and suspension bushes are not causing uneven wear. Given the high annual mileage, front suspension lower arm bushes, anti-roll bar links, and rear trailing arm bushes are worth particular attention during a physical inspection.