How are older ZS doing over time? (rust proofing)

big g

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Hi folks.

Narrowed down my next car to be either a Kia Niro EV, or an MG ZS EV 2022 or later (updated version). The other possibility is an MG5 but parking near where I live is limited and the smaller ZS would be easier. Compared to the Niro base level, which is the only variant I can afford, the ZS has more 'toys' and certainly looks like a nice car.

I buy cars that are 2-3 years old and then keep them for several years. I've been lucky with my current 15 year old Citroen C4 Picasso (which, I've had for 12 years and seems to have survived this long relatively unscathed!) I know EVs have less parts and batteries are robust, and so my only concern for the ZS is rust.

Looking on various forums (including this one), I've seen some discussion about how some batches of early MG EVs had issues with poor rust protection. So - are these unusual cases?. How are more recent cars doing?

All thoughts and opinions greatly received!
 
I haven't seen any real rust issues on the ZS EVs. There are a couple of videos on YT showing very mild beginnings of rust to some underbody seams towards the rear of the cars, which iirc were between 1 & 2 years old. This was not bad & not unlike you get on quite a few other brands of car. If the owners treated those seams there would never be an issue.

I bought my ZS EV new at the start of 2025. I took the opportunity to inspect the underside, prepare it & spray Waxoyl pretty much everywhere that matters. I also sprayed Dynax S50 into all the chassis box sections. It won't rust for a very long time. That's fine as we intend to keep it for years & years.

Whenever I buy new car I always use Waxoyl & Bilt Hamber Dynax to give the car a head start in life. So far over the last 30yrs I've never ever experienced rust anywhere underneath or around a car of any brand. Manufacturers are using less wax injection protection on their cars these days & instead relying on the electrophoretic primers to do the job. Actually, it doesn't last if you rely on just that. Stone chips, salt moisture etc constantly erode its effectiveness as time goes by. Where I live the local highways dept spreads thousands of tons of salt on the roads each winter so Waxoyl is a good option to protect your investment. It doesn't take long to do even without special equipment such as ramps. I would add we have two E-Niros, a Nissan leaf & an ID4 in the family. All of them have rust in some form underneath especially on seams at the rear of the cars. My ZS won't have any!
 
I have a 22 reg ZS EV long range. No rust and no issues at first mot. Car has had new 12 volt battery but no other issues. I am with Scottish power EV optimise: 10p per kWh, so really cheap to run and it's now done 35k miles.
 
My 2020 ZS EV is doing well. I have only noticed a little rust just below the charging plug. I have sprayed that with WD40, and that seems to have held it. Otherwise, the body, and mechanics are sound as far as I can see. Great car, range is the only limitation...
 
I would go for ZS. Mine is 2022 standard range Trophy, second hand with almost 60K on the clock now. All good so far and no rust.
Just make sure it's got full service record from MG dealers. I would avoid buying privately. I got mine from a non-MG dealer. Not ideal but better then private sale ...
 
Thanks to all the people that have kindly replied with details of their experiences. Looks like the MG is still a contender!
 
I have owned both. The Kia Niro had a significantly better range than the first Gen ZS (pictured to the left) and features and driver assist which were comparable on the brochure were better executed on the Niro than the ZS. The First Gen ZS of mine was never able to initiate charging session (and I believe it was the same for all first Gen ZS owners) at a Tesla Supercharger (remember that Tesla Superchargers, even for non-Tesla's are significantly less expensive per kWh than other rapid chargers) something to be born in mind as the smaller battery ZS will need recharging more frequently that it's Kia rival which has no issue charging at a Tesla site.
 
Yes the E-Niros are good motors. We have two in the family. A 2019 & a 2021 both owned from new. We also have a 9 year old leaf & a VW ID4 & my MK2 ZS EV Trophy LR Connect. I will say I much prefer the ZS as it's range in real terms is better than the 64kwh E-Niro by quite some way. This may be due to the fact the Kia's have over 50k on their clocks & mine is new. I like the better tech & general ride much better in the MG too compared to the E-Niro. But overall there's not too much in it. Either car is very good. Mine also charges fine at Tesla hubs.
 
Hi folks.

Narrowed down my next car to be either a Kia Niro EV, or an MG ZS EV 2022 or later (updated version). The other possibility is an MG5 but parking near where I live is limited and the smaller ZS would be easier. Compared to the Niro base level, which is the only variant I can afford, the ZS has more 'toys' and certainly looks like a nice car.

I buy cars that are 2-3 years old and then keep them for several years. I've been lucky with my current 15 year old Citroen C4 Picasso (which, I've had for 12 years and seems to have survived this long relatively unscathed!) I know EVs have less parts and batteries are robust, and so my only concern for the ZS is rust.

Looking on various forums (including this one), I've seen some discussion about how some batches of early MG EVs had issues with poor rust protection. So - are these unusual cases?. How are more recent cars doing?

All thoughts and opinions greatly received!
Our mk1 was a 2020 model and had no rust issues when traded in this year. There were reports of a handful of early white cars showing rust but ours was fine.
 
My ZS EV isn't one of the older ones but is 2024 (so, even more worrying), and it's going back in (to Glasgow) as rust bubbles have appeared. They cover about two inches square just above the metal square 'hook' on the driver's door frame (facing forwards, if you like). So, not exposed to the elements, but can get wet when the door is open. The rest of the bodywork is pristine.
 
Gen 2 purchased 12month ago, have noticed rust underneath in front of the battery and either side around the struts.
Opened up the passenger side footwell to get under for the fuse box and noticed there's rust around all the weld joints behind the dash. in the middle and to the left for what i could see.
Not very impressed, will be speaking to the dealership about this before I proceed doing anything about it myself.
 
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