Some owners have reported AC charging errors and charging port indicator lights failing. Test a full charging cycle if possible before buying, or at minimum confirm the charging port and cable connect and lock correctly.
Some capacity loss over time is normal and expected on any EV: typically around 4% in the first 50,000 miles, with a further 2-3% over the next 50,000 miles. A reading significantly worse than this for the car’s age and mileage is worth querying with the seller.
Running Costs And Insurance
The MG4’s main appeal is low running costs relative to its price: charging at home is significantly cheaper per mile than petrol, and MG’s seven-year warranty means many used examples still carry useful manufacturer cover. Always check the remaining battery warranty specifically, since this is typically the most valuable part of the cover on an EV.
How Much Should You Pay For A Used MG4?
Prices vary by battery size, trim and mileage, but as a rough guide: early Standard Range cars are among the cheapest used EVs available, rising through the mid-range for a well-kept Long Range example, and considerably higher for a low-mileage Extended Range or XPower model. Always compare several current listings for the exact battery size and mileage you want, and factor in the battery health reading rather than price alone.
The MG4 competes with the Renault Megane E-Tech, Vauxhall Corsa Electric and Cupra Born, undercutting all three on price for comparable range. Independent reliability surveys have generally placed the MG4 behind these rivals, so a thorough pre-purchase check and a battery health reading matter more here than on some competitors, but the price gap remains a significant part of its appeal.
Checks To Run Before Buying A Used MG4
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Battery state of health reading from the seller or an independent inspection
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MOT history for recurring advisories, once applicable
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Mileage records for consistency with the car’s age
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Outstanding finance, which transfers risk to you as the buyer
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Write-off or stolen markers on the vehicle
Frequently Asked Questions
Reliability surveys have placed the MG4 towards the bottom of the electric car class, with a wider spread of reported faults - mostly non-motor electrics and infotainment - than more established rivals. It’s not unreliable in a dangerous sense, but a thorough check before buying matters more here than on some competitors.
How Much Range Does A Used MG4 Have?
It depends on the battery fitted: Standard Range cars officially manage around 218 miles, Long Range around 281 miles, and Extended Range around 323 miles. Always check the specific car’s battery size, since real-world range is typically lower than the official figure.
Should I Get A Battery Health Check Before Buying An MG4?
Yes. The battery is the most expensive single component on any EV, and a reading of 4-7% degradation by 50,000-100,000 miles is broadly normal - anything notably worse for the mileage is worth querying before you commit.
Should I Check A Used MG4’s History Before Buying?
Yes. A full vehicle history check can reveal mileage inconsistencies, outstanding finance and write-off or stolen markers, all of which matter as much for an MG4 as any other used car.
The MG4 is a genuinely strong-value electric hatchback, particularly for buyers prioritising price and range over outright reliability, but its patchier reliability record compared to established rivals makes a thorough pre-purchase check - especially a battery health reading - more important than usual. As with any used car, the specific example’s history and service records matter more than the model’s general reputation, so always check MOT records, mileage, finance status and battery health before you commit to buying.
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