# MG GS — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the MG GS on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/mg-gs

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2018
- **Ideal trim**: Excite
- **Target mileage**: 40,000–70,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 3
- **Target price**: £6,750

## Why this model

The MG GS is a great choice if you're looking for a practical, spacious, and budget-friendly compact SUV. It offers a lot of car for the money, with decent standard equipment and a surprisingly punchy 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. It's not the most refined or luxurious SUV out there, but it's honest, reliable enough for everyday use, and generally cheap to buy and run. It's a solid option for families or anyone needing extra space without breaking the bank.

## What you should pay

The MG GS has already taken its biggest depreciation hit, so buying a 2018-2019 model now means you're getting it at a very attractive price point. Prices are stable for its age, making it a smart buy for those on a tighter budget. Expect to pay around £6,000-£7,000 for a well-maintained 2018 Excite model with average mileage in February 2026.

## Which trim to buy

The 'Excite' trim hits the sweet spot for value. It adds some really useful features over the basic 'Explore' model, like an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, rear parking sensors, and cruise control, without jumping up to the 'Exclusive' trim's higher price tag. You get a good balance of modern tech and comfort for a very sensible price.

## What to check before you buy

- Infotainment system can be a bit glitchy or slow to respond
- Some reports of interior trim quality not holding up perfectly over time
- Check for rust, especially around sills and wheel arches on older models
- Manual gearbox clutch wear can be an issue if driven hard

## Running costs

Running costs for the MG GS are pretty reasonable. Fuel economy from the 1.5T engine is around 38-46 mpg, which works out to about 16.5 pence per mile with petrol at £1.45/litre. Road tax (VED) for a 2018 model will be around £190-£210 per year, depending on the exact CO2 emissions. Insurance groups are generally low to moderate (around group 15-20), so premiums should be affordable for most drivers.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 166 hp
- **Mpg**: 38-46 mpg
- **Reliability Score**: Good for the price point, backed by MG's original 7-year warranty.
- **Safety Rating**: 4-star Euro NCAP (2017)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Explore | £15,000 | £5,500 | 17-inch alloy wheels; LED daytime running lights; Bluetooth connectivity |
| Excite | £17,000 | £6,750 | 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto; Rear parking sensors; Cruise control |
| Exclusive | £19,500 | £7,250 | 18-inch alloy wheels; Leather upholstery; Heated front seats |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £6,750 | 100% |
| 2027 | £6,030 | 89.3% |
| 2028 | £5,400 | 80% |
| 2029 | £4,860 | 72% |
| 2030 | £4,370 | 64.8% |

The MG GS has already depreciated significantly, so buying a 2018 model in 2026 means you're getting it past its steepest depreciation curve. It will continue to lose value, but at a much slower rate, making it a good long-term budget option where you won't see massive drops in value year-on-year.

Total value lost since new: 35.2%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Dacia Duster](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/dacia-duster.md)
- [SsangYong Tivoli](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/ssangyong-tivoli.md)
- [Suzuki Vitara](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/suzuki-vitara.md)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.