Buying a used MG4

[chedpit]

Hi all

Been looking at the prices of used MG4s (approx 1 year old) and considering buying one.

I am wondering if any current owners might be able to advise on anything I should check/ask when viewing a used vehicle.

Cheers

 

[salty]

??

 

[DrPlokta]

It’s worth making sure that you get the 2023 update, which fixed a few of the early issues as well as adding one pedal driving and a rear wiper (and a centre rear headrest, which many people remove to improve the poor rear visibility). The easy way to check for the updated version is to look for that rear wiper.

 

[chedpit]

It’s worth making sure that you get the 2023 update, which fixed a few of the early issues as well as adding one pedal driving and a rear wiper (and a centre rear headrest, which many people remove to improve the poor rear visibility). The easy way to check for the updated version is to look for that rear wiper.

Thank you. A car I was looking as does not have a rear wiper (but 23 plate) so assume this update you refer to is a change they started to add to cars sometime during 2023.

If the car is preupdate is there anyway the update can be applied? (presumably at cost?)

Thanks again

 

[DrPlokta]

Thank you. A car I was looking as does not have a rear wiper (but 23 plate) so assume this update you refer to is a change they started to add to cars sometime during 2023.

If the car is preupdate is there anyway the update can be applied? (presumably at cost?)

Thanks again

No, there’s no way I know of to retrofit the update. It came in at roughly the same time as the 73 plate, so most 73 cars should have it and most 23 cars should not.

 

[AlexC]

You need to make sure the mobile App is unbound, to allow that to work by removing previous user ask dealer who can organise this.
Make sure ALL software updates applied. Latest infotainment is R59 but there maybe system updates also (Sip packages) dealer can check all this.

 

[Grriff]

Check there is a granny cable supplied and possibly a type 2 cable for use with public AC chargers.
Confirm that the AA. subscription is still valid.
There is a checklist for new cars on this forum, try searching for it as it may help.
My guide may also help MG4 Trophy - a Guide

 

[JonnyG]

There's quite a lot to check IMHO and best to get any works done by the dealer before final payment.

Off the top of my head :-

1, Check for service history if 1 year old (or older) and make sure this is done.
2. Check all software / module updates have been done and get the seller to put in writing what exactly the version number is for each update.
3. The later software seems much better than older software for Lane Keep Assist - LKA, drop down shortcuts, ACC cruise control adjustments, bluetooth connection not dropping etc etc.....)
4. Go for a long test drive and listen for any vibrations / rattles etc. and make sure you are happy with everything. Go on the motorway and check for any excessive wind noise and any other noises.
5. Check all four tyres are a matching brand and check for even tread all round.
6. Check underneath for any bulging undertrays.
7. Check under bonnet for insulation pad on bonnet underside.
8. As above check the car is not tied/registered to any previous owner and get the seller to pair your MG phone app to the car before final payment.
9. If you are going for the SE SR model - during the test drive when on the motorway, floor the throttle for as long as you can and check the power level is maintained.
10. Check charging cables are present (at least a Granny Cable should be present) and check the car charges OK both on AC and DC and check the charging lights are working.

As EV's are poor sellers at the moment take your time looking at potential cars thoroughly and get as long a test drive as you can to try out the car on all roads and surfaces. Before buying one go over it with a fine toothcombe for any bodywork issues (a friend or two would help !!) plus that everything works OK inside including Apple CarPlay / Android, all doors, locks and windows working, all lights working, functions, screens and menus etc, temperature displays, no bad scratches on dashboard etc.

Finally as the buyer remember you are in the drivers seat !! (especially with low / poor EV sales at the moment). Insist on getting things how you want them (software updates, etc) or just walk away to another better dealer. Once you have paid, their attitude (MG) may change dramatically (as it did for me).

 

[DannySB1]

You need to make sure the mobile App is unbound, to allow that to work by removing previous user ask dealer who can organise this.
Make sure ALL software updates applied. Latest infotainment is R59 but there maybe system updates also (Sip packages) dealer can check all this.

Especially this point on the iSmart app. Had my MG4 for 3 months before finally getting the car unbound from the previous owner. Dealer couldn't do it for me so had to go through MG customer service (which credit to them, had it unbound within a few hours).

 

[AlexC]

Yes, it’s daft that a) dealers can’t do this and b) you can’t do it yourself by performing a system reset.
And when you do get the App “working” it’s totally unreliable, can you imagine anyone relying on it for their digital key!
Great cars but software years behind. Here’s hoping it improves fast.