Have MG sorted out the MG4 yet?

[johncolescarr]

Hi, I’m looking to take some test drives in the new year for the MG5, the MG4 and the Model 3.

Head says MG5 but I do find it a bit…fugly.

I’m sure the Model 3 is a great car but I’m honestly put off by the image and also worry that Tesla could implode if the tech bubble had a sharp correction.

I’m most likely to like the MG4 the most since it fits my use case the best, but I am genuinely put off by all the negative press on reliability.

To those in the know or have access to more data on this forum, what is the consensus on the face lift (post 2023) MG4 models? Are the niggles ironed out? Are there any big issues that render the car undrivable that are still plaguing the model? I’m in Leeds so any terrible news on the Leeds dealer (I’ve heard they’re ok from reviews).

will be buying used and I hold my cars for about 7-10 years.

 

[LenEV2016]

Very different cars, mg4 is probably most practical and value for money.
No issues with image with Tesla's

 

[siteguru]

I've had my MG4 SE SR for over 3 years now. Apart from the early "diff oil leak" issue (which was fixed under warranty) I've had no issues - any minor niggles have been dealt with by the dealer, again under warranty. The MG4 is a hatchback, similar in size to an Astra/Focus.

Is the MG5 still being built? (I know the ZS was discontinued). There was rumour of an MG4 estate version to be released (i.e. on the same platform as the MG4) to replace the MG5.

 

[johncolescarr]

Very different cars, mg4 is probably most practical and value for money.
No issues with image with Tesla's

Agree different cars, my use case is it’s my commuter, 240mile round trip with overnight stay twice a month, else 75 mile round trip x3 a week. The LR of any will be enough range but I don’t need the space of the MG5 or model 3 boot.

I also don’t really think I need th e convenience of the Tesla SC network as most charging at home or destination charging.

A Model 3 would be older and higher mileage for my budget, MG4 and MG5 surprisingly similar age and mileage.

 

[Bam Bam]

I’m most likely to like the MG4 the most since it fits my use case the best, but I am genuinely put off by all the negative press on reliability.

I can see why you would ask given the reports.

Most of us on here are happy customers. A few 'meh' and a few disgruntled.

I think it is great for the money you pay. Suits us very well.

MG5 seems like a reliable workhorse. Handy if you need a bit of extra space but not as interesting looks-wise as the MG4.

A bit more old-fashioned in terms of the cabin as well. MG4 is in between the Tesla and the MG5 in that respect.

Tesla Model 3 would be better if you do long distance driving, but otherwise it sounds like the MG4 is the option for you.

 

[johncolescarr]

I've had my MG4 SE SR for over 3 years now. Apart from the early "diff oil leak" issue (which was fixed under warranty) I've had no issues - any minor niggles have been dealt with by the dealer, again under warranty. The MG4 is a hatchback, similar in size to an Astra/Focus.

Is the MG5 still being built? (I know the ZS was discontinued). There was rumour of an MG4 estate version to be released (i.e. on the same platform as the MG4) to replace the MG5.

Good to know, I’m not usually one to listen to internet horror stories on car reliability as all maes have lemons but the consistency worries me. I’m more concerned with faults that make the car undrivable.

MG5 no longer made but I’m in the used market. If the MG4 was given an estate boot I’d go for the hatch still

 

[LenEV2016]

75 mile trips with ease

240 mile trip probably doable in summer but not winter so will need charging.

Extended Range would probably make it

 

[Roger001]

I've now had my MG4 for 6 months, with no issues. The one thing you did not list was which model you were considering. There is a big difference in battery size between the entry level and top level versions as well as a few nice to have features.

One key thing is don't compare the list prices of cars. The 77kWh Trophy Extended Range MG4 can be purchased new for less than £27,000 if you have been a member of the MG owners club for a few months. That price makes it rather hard to compare against, say, the Model 3 due to the price gap.

 

[johncolescarr]

75 mile trips with ease

240 mile trip probably doable in summer but not winter so will need charging.

Extended Range would probably make it

The longer trip is 120 then overnight stay with destination charger, but there are plenty of dc chargers on the way including Tesla sc open about half way

 

[Rolfe]

I have the SE SR (51 kwh battery) and that could do a 120-mile leg then back if you had overnight destination charging. But I'd still probably choose a 64 kwh model for that job.

I bought mine in April 2023, the phase 1 model. I'm very happy with it. I've never had an issue that interfered with me driving it.

• Saggy rear undertray replaced under warranty
• Charging port lights failed, replaced under warranty
• Passenger door handle button failed, replaced under warranty
• Various software updates sorted out almost all the niggles on that front that were there at the start

I think it's unlikely you will regret buying an MG4 now, and there are some terrific bargains to be had.

 

[johncolescarr]

I've now had my MG4 for 6 months, with no issues. The one thing you did not list was which model you were considering. There is a big difference in battery size between the entry level and top level versions as well as a few nice to have features.

One key thing is don't compare the list prices of cars. The 77kWh Trophy Extended Range MG4 can be purchased new for less than £27,000 if you have been a member of the MG owners club for a few months. That price makes it rather hard to compare against say, the Model 3 due to the difference in price.

Good point, leaning towards the LR 64kW but if there was a significant saving I’d consider the SR, especially because of the LFP battery that I am led to believe takes more abuse! Would not consider the ER because of price

 

[johncolescarr]

I have the SE SR (51 kwh battery) and that could do a 120-mile leg then back if you had overnight destination charging. But I'd still probably choose a 64 kwh model for that job.

I bought mine in April 2023, the phase 1 model. I'm very happy with it. I've never had an issue that interfered with me driving it.

• Saggy rear undertray replaced under warranty
• Charging port lights failed, replaced under warranty
• Passenger door handle button failed, replaced under warranty
• Various software updates sorted out almost all the niggles on that front that were there at the start

I think it's unlikely you will regret buying an MG4 now, and there are some terrific bargains to be had.

Exactly the type of feedback I was looking for. Niggles I can cope with. Being stranded away from home and needing recovery is more troublesome. I’m leaning to the 64kW as there is pretty much no premium for them on the nearly new market

 

[LenEV2016]

Good point, leaning towards the LR 64kW but if there was a significant saving I’d consider the SR, especially because of the LFP battery that I am led to believe takes more abuse! Would not consider the ER because of price

All batteries are pretty robust

 

[Rolfe]

All batteries are pretty robust

This. If you regularly drive 120-mile journeys, get the 64 kwh battery.

The SE is a great car, and in general they have not had the same issues with software stability that the Trophy range has had. The cloth seats seem more hard-wearing, and if you really want fake leather then £260 (maybe less now) will get you very nice aftermarket seat covers from AliExpress.

There are some bells and whistles the SE doesn't have, so you should check, but it's a very nice car. In your position I'd look for a bargain SE LR. If it's a phase one, it will have faster AC charging capability, but these cars (and the phase 1 Trophys) are prone to an issue that does cause serious hassle and requires the CCU to be replaced. Worth checking if a car you're interested in has already had that done. (The issue doesn't affect all cars though, and I really don't know at what point it's safe to say that any particular car isn't going to get it.)

 

[Roger001]

Good point, leaning towards the LR 64kW but if there was a significant saving I’d consider the SR, especially because of the LFP battery that I am led to believe takes more abuse! Would not consider the ER because of price

In terms of the battery, you will only see a usable 'advantage' of the LFP battery if you are doing 100,000's of miles over the car's life, and if you are planning to do that type of distance, you would really want to have the 77kWh NMC of the extended range car anyway.

The reason being is that the LFP battery is going to easily manage 3,000 charge cycles, while the NMC is more likely to manage 1,000. If you are normally using a home charger and aiming for 10%-80% charge. Even in this weather, I'm managing more than 230 miles a charge in my 77kWh extended range car, and at around 8,000-9,000 miles a year, I do not think my battery will be the part that gives up the ghost first.

 

[dawson2099]

I can see why you would ask given the reports.

Most of us on here are happy customers. A few 'meh' and a few disgruntled.

I think it is great for the money you pay. Suits us very well.

MG5 seems like a reliable workhorse. Handy if you need a bit of extra space but not as interesting looks-wise as the MG4.

A bit more old-fashioned in terms of the cabin as well. MG4 is in between the Tesla and the MG5 in that respect.

Tesla Model 3 would be better if you do long distance driving, but otherwise it sounds like the MG4 is the option for you.

I think happy customers (of which I'm one - MG4 3 years from new) are less likely to post - so you are mainly seeing just the negatives - need to keep that in context given how many have shipped. Touch wood still no issues. Very happy with the car from 2023.

 

[MelanieMoxon]

If you really want one a good local dealership is paramount with these cars. Look at the reviews (and ask on here) about how good the dealerships are for software updates and recalls. The one I got my MG4 from has been less than helpful when it comes to warranty stuff and recalls. I have now booked into another dealer to have the recalls done. The previous dealer additionally decided that the undertray not bulged enough to consider it a warranty claim and after 23,400 miles the front suspension arm bushings are already worn enough to trigger an MOT advisory.

The drivetrain though has been faultless and in terms of battery range and get up and go, it has done what it says on the tin (72 plate trophy long range) it has munched the long trips I have asked of it with ease. Go in with your eyes open and be realistic with your expectations.

That being said I went into it fully expecting to keep the car for 8+ years and now, 3 years in and at the voluntary termination point on my PCP I'm getting rid early (next few months). I'll never buy another modern MG, I don't wish to be a downer but I believe you need every ownership perspective.

 

[Tuareg]

I'm coming up for 1 year ownership of my Xpower. It's been faultless and exceeded my expectations regarding quality, it drives superbly. Had the software updated a few weeks ago for zero charge on the recommendation of the dealer. 1st service comes up in a couple of weeks.My plan os to keep the car for 5 years and see what's available at that time. I would love an IM5 performance, hoping there will be a smaller model like the MG4 at that time with similar specs to the IM5 today but with smaller screens, not interested in 20"+ screens in cars.

 

[tonybridge]

Trophy LR with 64k battery here. It's a brilliant car, though I do get envious of Teslas when I see them all plugged into their cheap chargers! But a couple of friends have Teslas, and they moan about various problems, so I guess any make will have its detractors. After two years with the car, I still think it is one of the nicest-looking EVs. And with its RWD, it drives like a dream!

The range is fine for me; if you have destination chargers and a home charger, that'll be all you need to calm your Range Anxiety.

Software-wise, it seems to have been programmed by the CEO's grandson on his Work Experience week (or the Chinese equivalent), so take things with a fairly large pinch of salt! But the 360 Camera is brilliant - I haven't looked over my shoulder while parking for a couple of years now

Just like any other subject-specific forum, you'll find a (very small) minority of people who just want to slag off the car (Lane Kill Assist? ) If you look at the top right-hand of this page, you'll see the true story - 77% of owners are happy with their MG4.

 

[LenEV2016]

Trophy LR with 64k battery here. It's a brilliant car, though I do get envious of Teslas when I see them all plugged into their cheap chargers! But a couple of friends have Teslas, and they moan about various problems, so I guess any make will have its detractors. After two years with the car, I still think it is one of the nicest-looking EVs. And with its RWD, it drives like a dream!

The range is fine for me; if you have destination chargers and a home charger, that'll be all you need to calm your Range Anxiety.

Software-wise, it seems to have been programmed by the CEO's grandson on his Work Experience week (or the Chinese equivalent), so take things with a fairly large pinch of salt! But the 360 Camera is brilliant - I haven't looked over my shoulder while parking for a couple of years now

Just like any other subject-specific forum, you'll find a (very small) minority of people who just want to slag off the car (Lane Kill Assist? ) If you look at the top right-hand of this page, you'll see the true story - 77% of owners are happy with their MG4.

When the car first arrived, prior to updates, the LKA assist was downright dangerous, hence it got that nickname.

77% of owners are happy with their car that still means nearly 1 in 4 aren't fully happy
In the real world that 77% is probably higher as People with issues do look to forums for help answers, software as you say is poor.

As has been mentioned by more than one member the big thing is to get a good dealers as for the most part the aftersales is poor