2014 MG 6 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 MG 6 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 MG 6 diesel than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Rigid brake pipes7.6× usual
  MG 6

  22.8% All 2014 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 0.4% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Coil springs3.4× usual
  MG 6

  18.9% All 2014 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 2.9% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Brake discs2× usual
  MG 6

  25.6% All 2014 cars

  13.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Headlights4.9× usual
  MG 6

  12.2% All 2014 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.4%, against 2.1% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Steering rack inner joints7.8× usual
  MG 6

  9.4% All 2014 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2014 MG 6 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 MG 6 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  51% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  42% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Suspension
  40% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  37% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  12% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Steering
  10% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 MG 6 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 7.6× as often on the 2014 MG 6 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2014 MG 6 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2014 MG 6 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?