2022 MG HS Excite 1.5L Petrol · SL72 WCF

The most recent DVSA examination on 17 November 2025 recorded a PASS with no advisories or defects noted, which is the result a prospective buyer would wish to see. However, the immediate prior test on 13 November 2025 resulted in a FAIL, and although the official record does not capture the specific reasons for that failure, the close proximity of the two tests strongly suggests the vehicle was presented, failed on one or more items, then returned within four days, rectified, and re-submitted for a successful pass. This pattern is not unusual and does not necessarily indicate a chronic defect, but it does warrant a degree of caution. When viewing the maintenance trend overall, the vehicle currently holds a clean pass, but a buyer should establish precisely what was repaired between the two tests and verify that any components addressed are now in sound working order, ideally through invoices or a pre-purchase inspection. The recorded mileage of 23,723 miles over a four-year period equates to an average of approximately 5,931 miles per annum, which sits well below the typical annual mileage for a family SUV of this class. Such low usage may reflect a second car, a commuter covering short distances, or extended periods of standing between uses. Mechanically, lower annual mileage tends to reduce wear on high-load components such as the clutch, brake friction material, and drivetrain internals, but it introduces a different set of risks centred on calendar-based degradation. Brake discs and calipers are particularly susceptible to corrosion and seizing when a vehicle is used infrequently, and coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid all deteriorate with time regardless of mileage accumulation. The buyer should therefore not be lulled into a false sense of security by the modest odometer reading. Given the clean MOT record and the low usage profile, physical inspection should focus on age-related deterioration rather than wear-related items. The tyres warrant particular scrutiny, as MG HS factory-fit rubber typically reaches the end of its useful life around the five-year mark regardless of tread depth; sidewalls should be examined closely for cracking, perishing, and any bulging, and the production date coded on the sidewall should be checked to confirm the tyres are not significantly older than the vehicle itself. The 12V battery should be tested for resting voltage and load capacity, since short-trip driving and infrequent use frequently lead to premature battery failure, and the air conditioning compressor and cabin filter should be exercised to confirm function. Brake discs should be inspected for surface rust, which is normal, but any deep pitting, lipping, or binding caliper slides would suggest the vehicle has been standing for prolonged intervals. On a test drive, the buyer should listen carefully for any clunks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, and strut top mounts are common on SUVs of this age and would not necessarily be flagged on a rolling MOT test. The brakes should be tested from cold for any juddering or vibration through the pedal, which can indicate corroded or warped discs, and a firm pull-away should be performed to confirm there is no excessive vibration or pulling to one side that might suggest a seized caliper. The engine should be observed at start-up for any excessive smoke or rough idle, and the transmission should be checked for smooth, hesitant-free changes. Finally, it is prudent to confirm that the service book or digital service record shows stamps at appropriate intervals by time rather than mileage alone, that the timing chain or belt interval has been respected, and that all fluid services have been carried out in line with the manufacturer's calendar-based schedule, given the relatively low annual mileage.