# MG ZS — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the MG ZS 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-zs

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2021
- **Ideal trim**: Excite
- **Target mileage**: 30,000–50,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £11,000

## Why this model

⚠️ Limited UK data — MG only arrived in the UK in 2017 (re-launch), so we have fewer MOT tests and less resale history than established brands. The MG ZS is a popular compact SUV that offers great value for money, especially as a used car. It's known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and generous standard equipment. The 1.5L petrol engine is simple and generally reliable, making it a solid choice for those looking for an affordable family car.

## What you should pay

Based on current UK market trends (February 2026), a 2021 MG ZS 1.5 Excite with 30,000-50,000 miles typically sells for around £11,000. Prices can vary by ±15% depending on condition, exact mileage, and optional extras. This makes it a very competitive option in the compact SUV segment, offering a lot of car for your money compared to rivals.

## Which trim to buy

The Excite trim hits the sweet spot for value. It comes with a good level of standard features like an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, rear parking sensors, and air conditioning, without the higher price tag of the top-spec Exclusive. It offers all the essentials you'd want in a family SUV without unnecessary frills.

## What to check before you buy

- Some owners report minor electrical glitches, particularly with the infotainment system. Check for any warning lights on the dash and ensure all screen functions work smoothly.
- Listen for any unusual noises from the suspension, as some early models had reports of creaking or knocking sounds, though this is less common on newer models.

## Running costs

Expect running costs for the 1.5L petrol model to be reasonable. Fuel costs will be around 20p per mile, equating to roughly £2,000 per year for 10,000 miles. Road tax is around £190 per year (for cars registered after April 2017). Insurance is generally affordable due to its lower insurance group ratings. Servicing costs are also competitive.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 106 hp
- **Mpg**: 31-36 mpg
- **Reliability Score**: Good
- **Safety Rating**: 5 Stars (Euro NCAP 2017)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SE | £16,500 | £9,500 | 16-inch alloy wheels; Bluetooth connectivity; Electric windows |
| Excite | £17,800 | £11,000 | 8-inch touchscreen; Apple CarPlay/Android Auto; Rear parking sensors |
| Exclusive | £19,500 | £12,500 | 9-inch touchscreen with sat-nav; 360-degree parking camera; Heated front seats |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £11,000 | 0% |
| 2027 | £9,570 | 13% |
| 2028 | £8,421 | 23.4% |
| 2029 | £7,579 | 31.1% |
| 2030 | £6,821 | 38% |

The MG ZS, like many budget-friendly SUVs, experiences its steepest depreciation in the first few years. Buying a 3-4 year old model like the 2021 version means someone else has absorbed the initial big drop. From this point, depreciation slows down, offering a more stable ownership period. It's a good car to buy and hold for a few years without losing a huge percentage of its value.

Total value lost since new: 38%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Nissan Juke](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/nissan-juke.md)
- [Renault Captur](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/renault-captur.md)
- [Peugeot 2008](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/peugeot-2008.md)

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