MG4 Should I get one? What’s the consensus from owners and those waiting?

[liberostelios]

No idea, other than a UK tax, only thing is maybe there are still big incentives to buy EV's in the Netherlands, maybe the poster can confirm that.
I think that's the case with the deal for the MG4 in Spain, there are still some good government incentives

There aren't that many incentives left in the Netherlands anymore, unfortunately. There is a 3k subsidy for buying a new EV but only for cars below 45k. So Teslas don't get it anyway.

Interestingly, what might be the case is that cars are more expensive in countries with better incentives, because dealerships might try to make a profit out of them. For instance, I've noticed that in Greece, where there is an 8k+ subsidy, all EVs are outrageously expensive (an Ioniq 5 starts at 57k).

 

[Cocijo]

I have been dealing with FG Barnes who are not listed above, they are in Canterbury and are still listed as SEAT Dealers. I had a choice of Caffyns Ashford or FG Barnes, I went with FBG as my last 2 dealings with Caffyns Skoda which is just around the corner from MG has been awful.
Unfortunately our initial dealings with Caffyns MG Ashford started badly was told the trophy would be on display in the town just before release date of 1st October, made a special journey only to find they had 2 SE SR on display and had left the trophy at the dealership, popped to dealership to look at the Orange while showing a genuine interest walking round the car (would have like to seen the interior) no one from inside looked up to see us and asked if we were interested. Sale lost.
Popped over to FGB and the guy was very helpful, Although they did add ceramic coating to order despite being told I was getting done elsewhere, it was only when I asked that I found out this had been added. Do not hint at getting extras done elsewhere to a salesperson if the dealer will do.
That's my experience.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Cocijo]

There aren't that many incentives left in the Netherlands anymore, unfortunately. There is a 3k subsidy for buying a new EV but only for cars below 45k. So Teslas don't get it anyway.

Interestingly, what might be the case is that cars are more expensive in countries with better incentives, because dealerships might try to make a profit out of them. For instance, I've noticed that in Greece, where there is an 8k+ subsidy, all EVs are outrageously expensive (an Ioniq 5 starts at 57k).

I think that is pretty true all over. The main profit from the government new electric car subsidies were manufacturers who manipulated their prices accordingly to take this into account…

 

[memo]

There aren't that many incentives left in the Netherlands anymore, unfortunately. There is a 3k subsidy for buying a new EV but only for cars below 45k. So Teslas don't get it anyway.

Interestingly, what might be the case is that cars are more expensive in countries with better incentives, because dealerships might try to make a profit out of them. For instance, I've noticed that in Greece, where there is an 8k+ subsidy, all EVs are outrageously expensive (an Ioniq 5 starts at 57k).

I think that is pretty true all over. The main profit from the government new electric car subsidies were manufacturers who manipulated their prices accordingly to take this into account.

Doesn't seem like that is happening in Spain. As the list price of the se sr with the mg campaign discount is € 28.280 (incl.IVA)* and the top luxury your trophy is € 34.280 (incl.IVA)*

 

[meveringham]

I think you're misunderstanding not having gap insurance with taking it from the dealer...It's built into many policies (in the first year of ownership normally) and can always be had cheaper elsewhere. Not saying not to have cover.

I'm not misunderstanding. @Cocijo was making several unrelated points in the same sentence, specifically responding to dealer add-ons initially but then stating that gap insurance generally was a 'waste of money'.

I understand you might be covered by some insurers in the first year, but with those 'quality' insurers you're also paying a higher premium. My Zoe was written off in a no-fault accident in year 2 of ownership and so market value was not 'fine', it left me 5k out of pocket. With Churchill, who I would consider a 'quality' insurer.

I got 3rd party GAP insurance as I say, not from the dealer, who wanted GBP 450, for much less than half that.

 

[Cocijo]

I'm not misunderstanding. @Cocijo was making several unrelated points in the same sentence, specifically responding to dealer add-ons initially but then stating that gap insurance generally was a 'waste of money'.

I understand you might be covered by some insurers in the first year, but with those 'quality' insurers you're also paying a higher premium. My Zoe was written off in a no-fault accident in year 2 of ownership and so market value was not 'fine', it left me 5k out of pocket. With Churchill, who I would consider a 'quality' insurer.

I got 3rd party GAP insurance as I say, not from the dealer, who wanted GBP 450, for much less than half that.

As I mentioned in post #52 - it’s your call. There are many variables to consider, not least how much finance that you might have on the car. If you decide to go for it then shopping around as you did is very wise.

 

[Goldie007]

My dealer was hopeless - made zero effort to provide any kind of information on the progress of my delivery. Took my deposit then radio silence, ignored my emails, etc. Worst car buying experience I've ever had (Cars2 MG).

Have to agree with you. Goes back to the 'I have your money and order so I move onto the next victim'. We have had the same shocking service from a dealer. Why should the customer have to keep chasing. We got told that if you dont like it cancel the order. They just are not interested.

 

[Cocijo]

Have to agree with you. Goes back to the 'I have your money and order so I move onto the next victim'. We have had the same shocking service from a dealer. Why should the customer have to keep chasing. We got told that if you dont like it cancel the order. They just are not interested.

This is the issue when models are popular and they don’t need to try that hard to secure orders. Just make sure that you have a long memory and markets change…

 

[Goldie007]

This is the issue when models are popular and they don’t need to try that hard to secure orders. Just make sure that you have a long memory and markets change…

I should have walked away as a previous visit to the same dealer but another brand they sell tried holding me to ransom just to get the price off them. Believe it or not they wanted me to sign and order the car before they would give me the price.

 

[Cocijo]

I should have walked away as a previous visit to the same dealer but another brand they sell tried holding me to ransom just to get the price off them. Believe it or not they wanted me to sign and order the car before they would give me the price.

They sound terrible. There’s a forum on here where you can share your experience if you want to. Just search for the dealer.

 

[Cocijo]

So, the general consensus is to order the new MG4 trophy as despite the issues it’s a very good car.
Thank you so much for all the input and honest views. ?
I suppose my final query would be - order now (I do believe there is a £1000 increase in Jan) or wait until the new year.
My thinking is that even with a price increase there may be better deals in January.
At present the discounts offered are very low nominal amounts. I find it hard to spend £32k+ and not get a better deal - perhaps I’m expecting too much?
What do you think?

 

[StackH]

If you order now and ensure the order is cancellable you're protecting yourself against the price rise. If after the price rise there are discounts you can always cancel your order and re-order at the discounted price.

 

[Oberoy]

I would get on the bus before the price increase, that said I purchased back in September and that gives away my view on things.
As StackH says you can always cancel if you can find a better deal (make sure your deposit is refundable)

 

[Cocijo]

I would get on the bus before the price increase, that said I purchased back in September and that give away my view on things.

Thanks. I did think about that.

 

[Auto Surgeon]

I would get on the bus before the price increase, that said I purchased back in September and that gives away my view on things.
As StackH says you can always cancel if you can find a better deal (make sure your deposit is refundable)

Further to my post about deposits I found out mine wouldn't be, which didn't surprise me as they may tell you it is but not often without very good cause.

 

[siteguru]

A deposit is never non-refundable per se ... the seller is only allowed to recover any costs they've borne should the consumer cancel the transaction.

 

[horse7]

I'm afraid with the problems so far reported, taken with the dealers rectifying the same has led me to decide to postpone the move from my 6year old diesel Tucson (which has been trouble free, ) to an EV ,while the ride in the MG4 is excellent, there's not much point having it in the dealers workshop for much of the time.

 

[Oberoy]

Further to my post about deposits I found out mine wouldn't be, which didn't surprise me as they may tell you it is but not often without very good cause.

I got it in writing in an email prior to paying, they were more than willing to do so.

 

[AKD]

Hi there,
I’m not that regular on these forums as I was, since selling my ZS. I still pop in now and then as it’s a great forum!

My Daughter likes the MG4 in orange colour and we are seriously thinking of ordering. We’ve been told about 16 weeks wait.

There’s loads of great posts about the MG4 and I’ve tried to read through most of them, but I thought that I would ask some direct questions to you learned folk!

1/Are there any purchase deals of any sort out there? Even service packs perhaps or some other sweeteners? I’ve been offered £340 off so far!

2/Lots of posts on here about issues, what are the top 3 that I should look for please before taking ownership? Anything really major? How are we finding getting them sorted? I didn‘t have a great MG experience when dealing with issues I’m afraid.

3/Any regrets about your MG4 purchase and if so why?

4/One of my biggest gripes with previous MG ownership was the dealers! Sorry, but I found them lacking. MG customer service also did not impress. Any strong recommendations on a dealer? I’m not too fussed where in the UK I purchase from, but would like to choose a dealership that has proven to look after customers well, and therefore deserves the business.

5/Is the build quality up to your expectations? I found my ZS to be adequate for the price and where the make sits in the market.

Finally, anything else by way of buying advice would be much appreciated !

Thank you all,
Stay warm!

I'm still a very new MG4 owner and have not done lots of miles, and am still getting to grips with driving a new EV, but so far so good.

1/Are there any purchase deals of any sort out there? - I paid list price for my White MG4 SE SR, no deals available, but I did get it within just a few weeks of ordering. I think I was lucky with timing and choice of colour. It came with a granny charger.

2/Lots of posts on here about issues, what are the top 3 that I should look for please before taking ownership? Only issue I have is the options within MG Pilot resetting themselves - I would prefer to have the Lane Assistance off, but it reverts to on. Not a major problem now that I'm aware of it. Seems to be an issue for some but not for others. As a new EV owner, I've yet to fully get my head around range and charging, and had not factored in the effects of the cold weather on performance. It's not an issue for me personally, but worth considering what the actual range might be vs the suggested range. I can't think of other issues, but would recommend having at least a couple of test drives on different days and on different types of road.

3/Any regrets about your MG4 purchase and if so why? Not really. The SE has 4 speakers, which it turns out are all in the front which is a shame. With the Trophy you get 2 in the back as well. That said the sound is pretty good , so I've got over my disappointment!

4/One of my biggest gripes with previous MG ownership was the dealers! MG in Cinderford were great. The sales exec there was very helpful.

5/Is the build quality up to your expectations? I have no complaints. I wasn't sure about the cloth seats, but I think they are also fine and I really like the interior. The infotainment system is straightforward after a good play around with it.

Overall a great looking car, fun to drive and comparatively well priced. Go for it!

 

[Cocijo]

I'm still a very new MG4 owner and have not done lots of miles, and am still getting to grips with driving a new EV, but so far so good.

1/Are there any purchase deals of any sort out there? - I paid list price for my White MG4 SE SR, no deals available, but I did get it within just a few weeks of ordering. I think I was lucky with timing and choice of colour. It came with a granny charger.

2/Lots of posts on here about issues, what are the top 3 that I should look for please before taking ownership? Only issue I have is the options within MG Pilot resetting themselves - I would prefer to have the Lane Assistance off, but it reverts to on. Not a major problem now that I'm aware of it. Seems to be an issue for some but not for others. As a new EV owner, I've yet to fully get my head around range and charging, and had not factored in the effects of the cold weather on performance. It's not an issue for me personally, but worth considering what the actual range might be vs the suggested range. I can't think of other issues, but would recommend having at least a couple of test drives on different days and on different types of road.

3/Any regrets about your MG4 purchase and if so why? Not really. The SE has 4 speakers, which it turns out are all in the front which is a shame. With the Trophy you get 2 in the back as well. That said the sound is pretty good , so I've got over my disappointment!

4/One of my biggest gripes with previous MG ownership was the dealers! MG in Cinderford were great. The sales exec there was very helpful.

5/Is the build quality up to your expectations? I have no complaints. I wasn't sure about the cloth seats, but I think they are also fine and I really like the interior. The infotainment system is straightforward after a good play around with it.

Overall a great looking car, fun to drive and comparatively well priced. Go for it!

Great review. Thank you.