Should I Purchase an MG ZSEV With High Mileage (78K)?

Hi all.
I am booked to visit an MG dealer to test drive a 2020 ZS 44KW with 78K showing (very tempting price though). It has a full service history etc. Any advice please, as to what I should be looking for, before I go?
Many thanks

Your biggest potential issue is the fact that it's about fall out of warranty.

Alb said:

Your biggest potential issue is the fact that it's about fall out of warranty.

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Hi. You are right. It is but are they still ok when it finishes? It will have 15 months dealer warranty but they can be vague in what they actually cover.

My advice would be the same as for any vehicle. Do all the usual checks, and if you don't know what to look for, get the AA or RAC to check it over. For an EV, definately get a State Of Health check on the traction battery.

philkeel said:

Hi. You are right. It is but are they still ok when it finishes? It will have 15 months dealer warranty but they can be vague in what they actually cover.

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You’re totally correct, a dealer warranty is not as comprehensive.
You do not state what model is it ?.
Is it the standard Excite model or the higher spec Exclusive model ( full electric sky roof etc ).
The car maybe cheap, but remember that his is reflective of the milage that the car has covered.
It could be likely that the car has received a number of rapid charging sessions, given that almost 80,000 miles has been covered in four years.
How many owners has the car had ?.
Has the car been used for any private hire purposes - Ask the question .
If so, the OEM warranty has almost certainly been compromised.
It is very important that you have written poof of the current state of health of the traction battery !.
Also, if there is any traction battery degradation ( I expect there will be ) will this reduced range STILL satisfy your usage requirements?.
The rest is general things, like body work condition ( paint chips etc ) and the condition of the interior items like carpets and drivers seat materials for any signs of damage.
Check the condition of ALL of the tyres, are they all matching in make and condition etc.
Ensure all of the electrical items work correctly, do not rely on the dealer checking them on a PDI inspection.
Get the registration number of the car and search the government web site for its MOT history, did it receive a straight pass or where there any advisories recorded ?.
If so, these could possibly be an issue on the next MOT.
You may want to consider running a car vertical check on the car, this will check for any recorded accident claims etc.
It should also come with the OEM three pin plug charging unit.

If it has a full service history , it may be worthwhile checking the HV Battery State Of Health at the last recorded service . It should be on the service document

Alb said:

Your biggest potential issue is the fact that it's about fall out of warranty.

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.... did the 2020 model not come with 7 years ?

The mileage !.

EX MG Owner said:

.... did the 2020 model not come with 7 years ?

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7 Years/80K Miles

Hi all.
Thank you all for your replies.
I have just got back and no commitment made yet.
It is the exclusive and is in very good condition. The battery health is 89% and has been serviced as required by MG (full). 1 owner from new.
It drove very well. No knocks etc.
The seats have tailored covers on them, which seem to be of a high standard. They are there to cover the tear in the drivers seat that seems to afflict these cars. The MOT is new.

One slight issue. There is a jolt when lifting off power suddenly which they will fix if I was to purchase the car. Not a metallic sound. More of a failed bush noise or similar. Definitely over the front left corner somewhere.
Everything else seems to work as it should.
Now to sleep on it I guess. Interesting how ICE cars with similar miles would be a 2017 at the very best for the price of this one.

Thanks to all of you again

If it’s a good price fuel saving would soon cover cost any simple niggles. The dealer warranty should be spelt out precisely as to what is covered.

philkeel said:

The MOT is new.

One slight issue. There is a jolt when lifting off power suddenly which they will fix if I was to purchase the car. Not a metallic sound. More of a failed bush noise or similar. Definitely over the front left corner somewhere.

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Surely if it's a bush then it would have failed the mot!!! If you decide to buy it then make sure they fix the issue and you test drive it again before you pay the balance - check deposit t&c so if the knock is still not fixed to your satisfaction you can get your deposit back!

While evs don't have a gearbox they do have a differential, and cv joints that can wear and they might not be cheap to fix as they could come under 'fair wear and tear' for warranty purposes although The Consumer Rights Act states goods must be a merchantable quality for 6 months before you have to prove the defect was an existing one!

If you pay a deposit with a credit card, you get the peace of mind of being able to get a full refund if you have any problems.

philkeel said:

Hi all.
I am booked to visit an MG dealer to test drive a 2020 ZS 44KW with 78K showing (very tempting price though). It has a full service history etc. Any advice please, as to what I should be looking for, before I go?
Many thanks

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How much?

Hi all.
It was a bush that had perished in the end. I have gone for it. I might do a YouTube diary video, as it would make a change for a real life high mileage MG ZS EV to be featured but then again, might not.
Thanks again for all of your input. Fingers crossed it is as good as I think it is .

philkeel said:

Hi all.
It was a bush that had perished in the end. I have gone for it. I might do a YouTube diary video, as it would make a change for a real life high mileage MG ZS EV to be featured but then again, might not.
Thanks again for all of your input. Fingers crossed it is as good as I think it is .

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Let us know if you decide to do the videos please !.

Lovemyev said:

Let us know if you decide to do the videos please !.

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Will do. Thanks for your interest.

Hi.
Just wanted to let you know that I have now picked up the car and so far (hope I am not tempting fate) all seems well. Finding the dreaded 'range anxiety' kicks in often but I'm sure I will get over that
I will definitely need to get the headlights and they are no better than candles. Interesting that when I enter the registration on the Halfords site, they show no bulbs for the car? On the threads it seems the Phillips are the preferred options (not LED). Anyone any ideas please?
The next job after that will be the window tint. Looking at the forums here, Global Tint seem to be the best as far as reviews and recommendations go.

I don't think you are legally allowed to change to LED lamps if they have not already specified, could be an MOT failure.
We had the drivers and passenger windows not tinted but UV filmed on our facelift ZS TLR, made big difference.

Philips or the Osram Night Breakers will be a big improvement over the yellow light given off by the OEM lamps.
Tinting the rear screen and the side windows, is an absolute must do before summer time arrives, as the Gen1 offers absolutely zero protection from the sun, as the factory installed glass, is completely clear.
This will help reduce your much needed A/C usage in the hot weather.
As this will impact on your range of course.
When it is really hot and you intend to leave the car parked a while, tilt open the back of the sun roof and close over the sun blind.
This will help any heat from the cabin to escape.
When you return to the car, open the doors for about 5 minutes and allow the heat to escape from the cabin.
Then boot the car into ready mode and set the A/C onto max.
Close the door(s) over at let it cool the inside of the car for a few minutes.
Be careful, as the pleather seats become extremely hot against your skin on a very hot day !.
The Gen2 facelift model does have a very slight tint from the factory, but the level still needs increasing slightly IMO.
The level of tint is a personal choice of course, but if you decide to tint extremely dark, then the visibility via the rear window at night time and when it is raining, will be reduced/ compromised.
Also, tinting the side windows forward of the “B” post is a very debatable point, and checking with your insurance company is definitely recommended.
Have them include this as an amendment on your policy as it is a modification over the standard factory spec.
If you just tint the rear side windows very dark, then from the side profile, it can look like you have joined two cars together .
On our Gen2 we went for a gradual progression of tinting.
The rear screen is the darkest, then the rear side glass is slightly lighter.
The front side glass is the standard factory tint which provides a smooth and subtle transition from every single angle.
Regarding your initial concerns over range anxiety, the more you use the car, the more confident you will become.
At first, you will be checking the remaining range all of the time !.
This is normal and will soon pass.
When the weather is kind and as a VERY rough guide, you will find that the GOM will be pretty accurate.
One actual mile covered, will see one mile lost from the range.
Of course, this will depend on your driving style and your usage of the HVAC system.