MG Pre-Purchase Inspection in Sydney
An MG pre-purchase inspection is an independent check of a used MG ZS, ZST, MG3, HS, MG4 or ZS EV before you buy, done by a mobile inspector at the seller's home or yard. Comprehensive suits most MGs, and any MG4, ZS EV, HS PHEV or MG3 Hybrid+ should also have the Battery Test. No travel charges, the quoted price is the price, in every region we cover.
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MG inspection: key facts
| Service | Mobile pre-purchase inspection of used MG cars and SUVs at the seller's location, subject to permission and safe access |
|---|---|
| Packages | Essential $199 Afterpayor 4 interest-free payments of A$49.75 Comprehensive $329Save $33 $296 with code SAVE10 Afterpayor 4 interest-free payments of A$74.00 Elite $449 Afterpayor 4 interest-free payments of A$112.25 |
| Our recommendation | Comprehensive ($329) for ZS, ZST, MG3 and HS; Comprehensive or Elite Buyers' Protection ($449) plus the Battery Test for MG4, ZS EV and HS PHEV; Ute, Van & Light Truck ($329) for an eligible MG U9 ute up to 4.5t GVM, confirmed at booking. Comprehensive $329Save $33 $296 with code SAVE10 Afterpayor 4 interest-free payments of A$74.00 Elite Buyers' Protection $449 Afterpayor 4 interest-free payments of A$112.25 Ute, Van & Light Truck $329 Afterpayor 4 interest-free payments of A$82.25 |
| Ute, Van & Light Truck | Ute, Van & Light Truck for an eligible MG U9 ute up to 4.5t GVM, confirmed at booking $329 Afterpayor 4 interest-free payments of A$82.25 |
| PPSR check | Included in Comprehensive, Elite and Ute, Van & Light Truck (Ute, Van & Light Truck includes all Comprehensive inclusions); not Essential |
| Checklist | 150+ Point Checklist on Comprehensive and Elite; Ute, Van & Light Truck includes all Comprehensive inclusions. Essential has a narrower safety and condition scope. |
| Report | Instant on-site report with Comprehensive, Elite and Ute, Van & Light Truck, issued before the inspector leaves. Essential: Same-day report, your full written photo report lands in your inbox the same day. |
| EV/Hybrid Battery Test | EV/Hybrid Battery Test: +$199 add-on to any inspection (not included in any package; make/model support confirmed at booking). Highly relevant to the MG4, ZS EV, HS PHEV and MG3 Hybrid+; coverage for the exact model is confirmed at booking. |
| Areas | Greater Sydney, Newcastle (including Maitland), Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong/Illawarra |
| Availability | 7 days, subject to seller access and inspector availability. Regional inspections are subject to availability. |
| Travel | No travel charges, the quoted price is the price, in every region we cover. |
| Book | Book online · 02 8320 1246 · Afterpay available |
Book your MG inspection before you pay
Comprehensive ($329) is the minimum we suggest for a ZS, ZST, MG3 or HS, with full PPSR, paint and body repair indicators and an instant on-site report. Elite Buyers' Protection ($449) adds a senior inspector, cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold, market valuation, paint thickness readings on suitable accessible panels, unlimited on-site negotiation and up to $3,000 / 30 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first from inspection (Terms apply). Add the EV/Hybrid Battery Test (+$199, not included in any package) to an MG4, ZS EV, HS PHEV or MG3 Hybrid+. Ute, Van & Light Truck ($329) for an eligible MG U9 ute up to 4.5t GVM: All Comprehensive inclusions, up to 4.5t GVM, plus Chassis: cracks, corrosion, weld repairs and prior accident straightening; DPF and emissions: diesel particulate filter regen status, soot loading and back-pressure via OBD; Tow rating: hitch class, tongue weight and GCM cross-check against vehicle plate; Drivetrain: differential, transfer case and CV joints with 4WD low-range functional test; Tray and mounts: tray-to-chassis mounts, canopy fitment, prior repair signs around tie-down points. Ute, Van & Light Truck does not include Elite's senior inspector, cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold, negotiation or repair cover.
Comprehensive
with code SAVE10
Elite Buyers' Protection
EV/Hybrid Battery Test add-on
Ute, Van & Light Truck
Comprehensive
with code SAVE10
up to $1,000 / 14 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first from inspection (Terms apply)
Elite Buyers' Protection
up to $3,000 / 30 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first from inspection (Terms apply)
Comprehensive: up to $1,000 / 14 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first; Elite: up to $3,000 / 30 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first, from inspection (Terms apply). The inspection doesn't stop at handover, so you drive away with repair cover behind you. Details on the Complimentary Cover page. Read the cover terms.
Mobile, 7 days. No travel charges, the quoted price is the price, in every region we cover. Afterpay available.
Why does a used MG need an independent inspection?
MGs are among the best-selling used cars in Sydney, and many are ex-rental or ex-rideshare. They are young enough to carry factory warranty, but the warranty rules changed in 2024 and again in 2025, and several models have had significant recalls. These are the points Australian sources report; it is not a claim that every vehicle has these faults.
Recalls: HS PHEV fire risk and MG3 driver's seat
MG recalled 5,168 HS Plus EV and HS PHEV plug-in hybrids sold in 2021 and 2022 because carpet underlay could sit between a nut and an electrical ground stud; if the nut loosened, underfloor wiring could overheat and cause a fire (Wheels; CarExpert). In November 2025, 10,516 MG3 hatchbacks built between March 2024 and July 2025 were recalled because the driver's seat cushion frame could move in a crash and unlock the inboard seat rail (NRMA, 2025). Early ZS models were also subject to a 2018 recall for software that could reduce power steering assistance when the ESC activated (carsales). Check any MG by VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au before you buy. An inspection can't confirm recall work was done, so ask for the dealer's completion record.
ZS (2017–2022): engine, cooling and the old four-speed auto
carsales' used buyer's guide to the 2017–2022 ZS says "engine oil leaks, head gasket failures and faulty cooling systems are common", and lists ABS warnings from faulty wheel speed sensors, alignment problems and premature front tyre wear. It notes that all 1.5-litre non-turbo ZS models use an older four-speed automatic, which can feel slow from a standstill and slow to downshift. It also warns that many ZS on the market are ex-rental, with trim damage and electrical issues.
HS: the dual-clutch automatic
The petrol HS uses a dual-clutch automatic (DCT). GoAuto's 2020 review of the HS called the transmission "somewhat dim-witted and slow when caught off-guard", with hesitation when pulling away from a roundabout. That is a drivability trait rather than a documented failure pattern, but it means the road test matters: hesitation, shudder or harsh engagement at low speed should be checked against fault codes.
Warranty: which cover does this car have?
MG's passenger-car warranty depends on when the car was sold or registered (MG Motor Australia). Retailed on or before 31 July 2024: 7 years/unlimited km. Retailed 1 August 2024 to 30 June 2025: 10 years/250,000 km; RACQ reported at launch that this cover applied regardless of where the car was serviced. First registered on or after 1 July 2025: 7 years/unlimited km standard, extended to 10 years/250,000 km only if every scheduled service is done at an authorised MG dealer within 30 days and 2,000 km of the interval. Commercial use (rideshare, rental, taxi and similar): 7 years/160,000 km, with no extended cover. EV and hybrid high-voltage battery: 7 years/150,000 km, with capacity loss below 70% treated as excessive. MG lists separate terms for the MG U9 ute.
On transfer, MG's warranty page doesn't spell it out; AutoExpert reported a 2021 ZS owner citing warranty wording that it transfers to subsequent owners, while noting that a transferable warranty doesn't automatically entitle you to every remedy. Before you buy, give the VIN to an MG dealer and confirm which cover applies and whether servicing has kept any extended cover alive. An ex-rideshare car may only carry commercial cover.
What our inspectors check on a used MG
These are the checks in our packages, applied to a MG. They're what we inspect, not a list of faults the car will have. Diagnostic scans read available stored/pending codes and live data from supported modules, not every proprietary system. Battery, starter and alternator tests apply to the fitted 12V system; an EV does not have conventional starter/alternator equipment.
Every package (Essential and up)
- Full visual safety check (brakes, tyres, steering, lighting)
- Engine bay visual + fluid leak check
- Full OBD-II scan report, stored, pending and live fault codes, printed into your report
- Digitally verified battery, starter motor and alternator tests, results printed into your report
- Brake pad thickness measured with remaining life estimated in km
- Tyre tread depth measured with remaining life estimated in km
- 3–5 km road test
Comprehensive adds
- Full mechanical inspection (engine, gearbox, cooling, belts, mounts, exhaust, driveline, steering, brakes and suspension and more)
- Full electrical system test
- Interior electronics check
- Exterior paint and body repair indicators
- Engine undertray / belly pan removed where fitted, safely accessible and permitted, leak sources checked for oil, coolant, transmission, power-steering and differential fluid
- Every suspension bush and mount checked for cracking, perishing and play, control arms, sway-bar links and bushes, trailing arms, subframe and differential mounts
- Underbody photos included in the report
- Estimated repair costs
- Odometer rollback check, where supported through the scanner; some vehicles do not support this check
- 6–10 km extended road test
- Full PPSR vehicle history report
Elite adds
- Senior inspector (5+ years experience)
- Market valuation
- Paint thickness gauge on every panel
- Elite includes a cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold.
- Advanced history deep-dive (odometer tampering, owner count, stolen/written-off status, recalls)
- Unlimited on-site negotiation, unlimited rounds, no extra fee
- Five-year maintenance forecast with estimated costs
- 10–12 km extended road test
Ute, Van & Light Truck, for an eligible MG U9 ute up to 4.5t GVM, confirmed at booking
- All Comprehensive inclusions, up to 4.5t GVM
- Chassis: cracks, corrosion, weld repairs and prior accident straightening
- DPF and emissions: diesel particulate filter regen status, soot loading and back-pressure via OBD
- Tow rating: hitch class, tongue weight and GCM cross-check against vehicle plate
- Drivetrain: differential, transfer case and CV joints with 4WD low-range functional test
- Tray and mounts: tray-to-chassis mounts, canopy fitment, prior repair signs around tie-down points
Essential is a quick screen only: it has no PPSR, no odometer rollback check and no accident or repaint assessment. Comprehensive and Ute, Van & Light Truck include a 6–10 km road test; Elite extends this to 10–12 km. Elite alone includes a cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold.
Ute, Van & Light Truck, for an eligible MG U9 ute up to 4.5t GVM: All Comprehensive inclusions, up to 4.5t GVM, plus Chassis: cracks, corrosion, weld repairs and prior accident straightening; DPF and emissions: diesel particulate filter regen status, soot loading and back-pressure via OBD; Tow rating: hitch class, tongue weight and GCM cross-check against vehicle plate; Drivetrain: differential, transfer case and CV joints with 4WD low-range functional test; Tray and mounts: tray-to-chassis mounts, canopy fitment, prior repair signs around tie-down points. Ute, Van & Light Truck does not include Elite's senior inspector, cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold, negotiation or repair cover. Eligibility is confirmed at booking.
MG-specific checks within those inclusions
- Gearbox behaviour (DCT on the petrol HS, CVT on later ZST): every package's OBD-II scan reads available stored transmission fault codes, and on the road test we watch for hesitation, shudder or harsh engagement at low speed. We can't open the gearbox or confirm internal wear.
- Cooling and leaks (ZS): the engine bay and leak check looks for accessible oil and coolant leaks and checks coolant level. We don't pressure-test the cooling system or confirm head gasket condition.
- Ex-rental wear: interior electronics checks and, on Comprehensive and up, exterior paint and body repair indicators and an odometer rollback check where the scanner supports the vehicle.
- Tyres and alignment: tread measurements with remaining-life estimates; uneven front tyre wear is noted.
- Batteries (MG4, ZS EV, HS PHEV, MG3 Hybrid+): every package tests the 12V battery; the EV/Hybrid Battery Test add-on (+$199) gives a State of Health estimate and, where available, cell-voltage and high-voltage fault data. Coverage for the exact model is confirmed at booking.
- See a sample inspection report
- Ute, Van & Light Truck: full eligible-vehicle inspection scope
- EV/Hybrid Battery Test: supported-vehicle battery checks
Checks require safe, permitted access. Elite includes a cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold. Paint readings require suitable accessible surfaces. Road-test routes and manoeuvres depend on permission, traffic, safety and legal speeds. History checks use available records and do not certify complete ownership or recall-repair history. Repair costs and the Elite five-year maintenance forecast are estimates, not promises.
Which inspection package should you choose for a MG?
ZS, ZST, MG3 and petrol HS: Comprehensive ($329) as a minimum, for the PPSR, paint and body assessment and the longer road test.
Comprehensive
with code SAVE10
MG4, ZS EV, HS PHEV and MG3 Hybrid+: your chosen package plus the EV/Hybrid Battery Test (+$199), which is not included in any package. For a late-model MG4 or HS PHEV, Elite Buyers' Protection ($449) adds the senior inspector, cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold, market valuation, paint thickness readings on suitable accessible panels, unlimited on-site negotiation, five-year maintenance forecast and up to $3,000 / 30 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first from inspection (Terms apply).
EV/Hybrid Battery Test add-on
Elite Buyers' Protection
MG U9 ute, eligible up to 4.5t GVM: Ute, Van & Light Truck ($329), confirmed at booking. All Comprehensive inclusions, up to 4.5t GVM, plus Chassis: cracks, corrosion, weld repairs and prior accident straightening; DPF and emissions: diesel particulate filter regen status, soot loading and back-pressure via OBD; Tow rating: hitch class, tongue weight and GCM cross-check against vehicle plate; Drivetrain: differential, transfer case and CV joints with 4WD low-range functional test; Tray and mounts: tray-to-chassis mounts, canopy fitment, prior repair signs around tie-down points. Ute, Van & Light Truck does not include Elite's senior inspector, cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold, negotiation or repair cover.
Ute, Van & Light Truck
Essential ($199): a quick screen only, with no PPSR, odometer rollback or accident/repaint assessment. With so many ex-rental MGs around, most buyers are better served by Comprehensive.
Essential
Compare all packages on our pricing page.
Popular MG models we inspect
MG ZS: Australia's best-known MG small SUV; check cooling, leaks and the four-speed auto on 1.5-litre cars. MG ZST: the updated ZS range from 2021; the road test and fault scan matter. MG ZS EV: add the Battery Test. MG4: rear-drive EV hatch; add the Battery Test. MG HS and HS PHEV: check the DCT on petrol cars, the 2021–2022 fire recall and the battery on the PHEV. MG3 and MG3 Hybrid+: check the 2024–2025 seat recall; add the Battery Test to the hybrid.
Buying an MG from a dealer or a private seller?
- From a licensed NSW dealer, eligible used vehicles under 10 years old and under 160,000 km carry a statutory dealer guarantee of 3 months or 5,000 km, whichever comes first, subject to exclusions. Australian Consumer Law guarantees also apply to eligible dealer sales (NSW Government). A private sale has no statutory dealer guarantee; other legal rights depend on the circumstances. An inspection helps you assess the vehicle before paying.
- Ask for dealer service records (they can decide whether extended warranty cover remains), evidence of whether the car was used for rideshare or rental, recall completion records, the EV charging cable, both keys and the registration papers. Available records and accessible inspection evidence cannot establish every aspect of past use, and an inspection cannot confirm warranty status.
- Before you pay, run a PPSR check for registered finance/security interests, stolen status or written-off records. PPSR is included in Comprehensive, Elite and Ute, Van & Light Truck. It cannot show unreported damage or certify recall repairs.
Inspection limits
- We do not dismantle the engine, remove the gearbox or pull interior trim, so faults only visible during disassembly can't be ruled out. On Comprehensive and Elite, the engine undertray is removed where fitted, safely accessible and permitted.
- We work at the vehicle's location, not on a hoist. Underbody checks are done on portable ramps where safe and permitted; seized fasteners, unsafe access or seller refusal are recorded as inspection limitations.
- Elite includes a cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold. If the car has been warmed up, we record that in the report.
- The road test runs on public roads at legal speeds, so it can't reproduce every intermittent fault or a fault that only appears under load or after long distances.
- A PPSR check reports what is registered against the VIN on the day. It cannot show unreported damage or work done off the books.
- The report describes the vehicle's condition on the day of inspection. It is not a warranty and not a valuation guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
Essential is $199, Comprehensive $329, Elite Buyers' Protection $449 and Ute, Van & Light Truck $329 for an eligible ute. The EV/Hybrid Battery Test is a +$199 add-on, not included in any package. No travel charges, the quoted price is the price, in every region we cover. For most MGs we suggest Comprehensive as the minimum because it includes a full PPSR and repaint assessment. No travel charges, the quoted price is the price, in every region we cover. Comprehensive: up to $1,000 / 14 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first; Elite: up to $3,000 / 30 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first, from inspection (Terms apply). The inspection doesn't stop at handover, so you drive away with repair cover behind you. Details on the Complimentary Cover page. Current SAVE10 pricing and four interest-free Afterpay instalments are shown alongside package prices.
Essential
Comprehensive
with code SAVE10
Elite Buyers' Protection
Ute, Van & Light Truck
EV/Hybrid Battery Test add-on
Reportedly yes, but which cover remains depends on dates and use. MG's terms set 7 years/unlimited km for passenger cars retailed up to 31 July 2024, 10 years/250,000 km for cars retailed 1 August 2024 to 30 June 2025, and dealer-servicing conditions for extended cover on cars registered from 1 July 2025. Commercial use gets 7 years/160,000 km. Confirm with an MG dealer using the VIN.
The petrol HS uses a DCT that reviewers, including GoAuto in 2020, found hesitant at low speed. That is a drivability issue rather than a documented failure trend. We scan for transmission fault codes and watch for hesitation, shudder or harsh engagement on the road test. We can't open the gearbox, so ask for service records.
Yes, with the EV/Hybrid Battery Test add-on (+$199): a State of Health estimate and, where available, cell-voltage and high-voltage fault data. Coverage per model is confirmed at booking. MG's high-voltage battery warranty is 7 years/150,000 km, with capacity below 70% treated as excessive loss, so a State of Health figure helps you judge the car and its remaining cover.
EV/Hybrid Battery Test add-on
Comprehensive is the minimum. For a late-model HS PHEV or MG4, Elite adds a senior inspector, cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold, paint thickness readings on suitable accessible panels, market valuation, negotiation and up to $3,000 / 30 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first from inspection (Terms apply). Add the Battery Test to any EV or plug-in hybrid.
Buy the MG, not someone else's problems
Essential ($199): a quick screen with OBD-II scan and a 3–5 km road test. Comprehensive ($329): full mechanical and electrical inspection, full PPSR and an instant on-site report. Elite Buyers' Protection ($449): senior inspector, cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold, market valuation and up to $3,000 / 30 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first from inspection (Terms apply). Ute, Van & Light Truck ($329): for an eligible MG U9 ute, confirmed at booking. EV/Hybrid Battery Test (+$199): for MG4, ZS EV, HS PHEV and MG3 Hybrid+, not included in any package.
Essential
Comprehensive
with code SAVE10
Elite Buyers' Protection
Ute, Van & Light Truck
EV/Hybrid Battery Test add-on
Comprehensive
with code SAVE10
up to $1,000 / 14 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first from inspection (Terms apply)
Elite Buyers' Protection
up to $3,000 / 30 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first from inspection (Terms apply)
Comprehensive: up to $1,000 / 14 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first; Elite: up to $3,000 / 30 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first, from inspection (Terms apply). The inspection doesn't stop at handover, so you drive away with repair cover behind you. Details on the Complimentary Cover page. Read the cover terms.
Mobile, 7 days. No travel charges, the quoted price is the price, in every region we cover. Afterpay available.
Sources
- Wheels, 2021–22 MG HS Plus EV plug-in hybrid recalled due to fire risk
- CarExpert, MG HS recalled over potential fire risk
- NRMA Open Road, MG3 recall (2025)
- carsales, Buying a used MG ZS (2017–22)
- GoAuto, MG HS review (2020)
- MG Motor Australia, Warranty
- RACQ, MG introduces 10-year warranty
- AutoExpert, MG ZS second-owner warranty dispute
- NSW Government, Dealer guarantees and warranties
- Vehicle recall check by VIN
- Aussie Auto Care package pages: