Interesting, thanks for sharing. I drive my Subaru Outback and this MG ZST now and then. The difference in steering, and road noise - to name just a couple of parameters - is INSANE.
Interesting review. Not for me, to be honest. I live in a rural area, so parts access are important, I also keep my cars a long time, up to 10 years. For me, at the same price, I'd rather get say a 5 or 6 year old RAV4, knowing it'll last me longer, and parts are readily available in my local market. The nearest MG dealer to me is over 100km away :) Good to hear from an actual owner, though, instead of a "paid for comment" journo.
Very fair logic and if I was buying to keep a car for 10+ years, I'd also recommend buying a not very old used Toyota in a good condition. But for the city driving, 3-5 years max, then swap or hand down to kids to learn how to drive on, etc, it's a pretty good car. Otherwise, agree with you mate.
These cars are very good value for money on used market! I would not buy new, but used, is a very good value! Now you can get MG HS for around 20K and hybrid just over $25K that's very good value for a car like that. Give a few years and we will be able to buy Cherry Tiggo 7 Ultimate for 25K as well, not too bad... I like the options we have now and it is getting better and better....
Yep the more options, the better deals. However, Chinese brands started trying to climb in the initial pricing, being almost neck to neck with Toyotas of the world, which means that while depreciation is there, it has a higher initial level to drop down from. Take that into account.
If you plan to buy a used one ask if the warranty still applies to the used car. In Hungary if you buy one of these cars and after 4 years you sell it the manufacturer gives the rest of the 3 years warranty to the new owner.
Absolutely fit for purpose. Rental fleets are full of them which tells you something. Will be a long term bargain secondhand. ZST is as good as 3 and 5 are bad.
Firstly thanks for taking the time to pass on your knowledge, l do however have some questions regarding the sunroof. have you had any bad experiences with it and as we are both here in Sydney Australia how is it for cabin heat in summer. Also l would like your opinion on the thin blind that covers it. lm am tossing up between the ZST Excite or the Essence but l have concerns over the large sunroof. Cheers Paul
Mate, there were no issues with the sunroof or the blind per se, other than - as I said in the 10 things I don't like about ZST video - it's too transparent and flimsy to repel the heat and the excessive light. Excite vs Essence - there are more than sunroof and blind differences between the 2 models, and they are profound, including the engine and the transmission, Sat Nav etc.... So if you can afford Essence mate, always go for top of the range with MG would be my advice.
Hi mate, I own a Peugeot 308 2018 model.. thinking of selling it off and buying a MG HS as I need some bigger leg room in the back seat and also as I always wanted to buy a SUV .. ur advice will be deeply appreciated..
If you're in Australia mate, I'd always rather go to Chinese (stronger presence and commercial intent for our shores) than one of the European brands such as Peugeot. It would be ok for Europe, but even there it's not known to be super reliable, but for AU? A solid Chinese car (and service/support) would run circles around something like Peugeot or Citroen.... This is not to say "go buy MG HS", this is to say - go test drive MG, GWM (not Chery) and see what you like and what fits your budget.
Thank you for your long term review! I'm looking on getting my first car to go to uni with, I have saved up 30k au, and I'm wondering if I should spend the extra cash and go new for a better car long term? The ZST looks like a solid car, what are your thoughts for it as first car? I know it's a lot for a first car but would you do it if you had the cash saved?
Hey if 30k is all you have and your income is limited, while this is a great car, I probably wouldn't invest my whole savings into it. If you're planning to drive for 10 years, you are always better off looking at Toyotas, Hondas and Subarus. Unfortunately, 30k won't buy you much of a Honda (they are very basic) and I don't think you'll fit into a new Subaru (check what their prices are for Crosstrek, maybe you will be able to on a runaway sale), but you probably would get a basic Toyota. It won't be as nice inside as ZST, but it *will* likely last you 10 years. If you are NOT looking to stick to the same car for 5+ years, then absolutely go for this ZST, it's great (and later you can sell it and buy something else).
@@ValueCarsAU I hadn’t considered that. And agreed, I won’t be earning a massive amount, and savings will probably be lower with a car 😂 I have heard the saying that Toyotas are solid vehicles, but all their new models are now so expensive. Indeed I can buy used, but I just want something that works and doesn’t need heaps of replacement parts. I’m not sure how to achieve that with used! Thanks for your reply, this seems like a really nice community you have created on here!
I've driven plenty of Electric MGs that are in the works fleet pool and the tech is on par with isuzu, the drive and seating is great but they all seem to have a weird interior smell.
@ValueCarsAU I know it's weird but 4 in the work fleet of various years from 2022-2024 all users, appropriately 20 minimum all say the same. Additionally the whole fleet varies from Ford, Isuzu, Hyundai, Nissan and MG.
Good reviews. More real world. Looking at getting a new car. Small SUV. Maybe mid size. Purpose is transport for one. Mostly from A to B (work - city, highway). Current car more than 10 yrs old. Looking at Chinese brands but people I talk to say to avoid. But, many have a bias against Chinese cars. Would you recommended Chinese brands if want to keep for 5 years or more established brand (maybe year or so used)?
If you are in Australia, you'll be fine (for a long time), not sure about 10 years... You'll get the car cheaper, and get more comfort and extras in it than from a badge snob-friendly brand. If you are in Europe with snow etc, I'd think twice and look at the price as cheaper initially will rust more easily and have more chances of breaking down due to overexposure to elements. Watch my next video.
@@ValueCarsAU Thanks. I'm in Australia. Good to hear. From a previous video, seems GWM/ Haval and MG would be good options among the chinese brands However GWM top with better build and less depreciation compared to the other chinese brands? Also, was looking at hybrids. Maybe Haval Jolion hybrid. How is the Haval and MG hybrids?
Planning to buy either a MG ZST essence either 2021 or 2023 with 20,000KM on the odometer. In case, you were selling this, how much would you sell it for? I guess I'm trying to understand whats the right buying price for me. Theres couple I've saved, 2023 for for $22,700 & 2021 for $21,000 both with more than 6 months rego. Does that sound reasonable to you?
My MG ZST Vibe broke down at 900 kilometers, it took a month for the part to arrive, this isn’t looking good for MG, very disappointed, it was an ECM fault and was replace, brake hold switch broke. The loaner was a Turbo ZST , it had a rattlie motor, the rear wiper had missing plastic and the drivers door made a clunk noise each time you close the door, we are going to hold on to the car for now but are preparing for a full refund should another problem happen.
Very unfortunate, given that you had 2 tries at ZST and neither worked. Very strange too, I don't hear this story much. You're clearly not in Australia as I doubt a part would be so unique that it would take a month to arrive while the car is on warranty.
I recently sold my mg zst top spec car for 24k with 7100km. Bought it brand new for 33990 in Feb 2023. I just found too many things that annoyed the hell out of me. 1. Can't turn off radio. 2. Paper thin sunroof. 3. Garbage vinyl seats when in the sun. 4. Really crappy infotainment system. 5. Premium fuel and full tank gets about 400km range. 6. Infotainment system randomly rebooted while driving a few times. 7. No rear seat vents, 8. No rear middle seat cup holders. 9. Mg dropped the price of the my23 zst top spec by $4,000 so it doesn't retain much value. 10. The 1.3 turbo engine has some weird turbo lag, 11. Depreciation... Chinese cars just don't hold their value. 12. Chinese car makers are currently selling their cars way below their rrp, the mg zst ev which was 49990 is currently on sale for 34990. 13. Tiny cup holders, 14. Apple carplay doesn't stay connected long even with official Apple cable, 15. If your on a call you can't turn the AC on. Never ever will I buy Chinese cars again. I ordered a Toyota rav4. I know it's more expensive but at least I know what I'm getting and it will hold value. I don't plan to sell my car for at least 5 years but something compelled me to sell the MG. Just my opinion and sharing my thoughts..
What do you compare this "shit box" to? Within the same price category I mean. Genuinely interested so that I can better understand the high horse you ride on.
Brought my 2022 ZST excite have done 35000k no noises still tight, all seal gravel country driving. Very happy.
Interesting, thanks for sharing. I drive my Subaru Outback and this MG ZST now and then. The difference in steering, and road noise - to name just a couple of parameters - is INSANE.
Interesting review. Not for me, to be honest. I live in a rural area, so parts access are important, I also keep my cars a long time, up to 10 years. For me, at the same price, I'd rather get say a 5 or 6 year old RAV4, knowing it'll last me longer, and parts are readily available in my local market. The nearest MG dealer to me is over 100km away :) Good to hear from an actual owner, though, instead of a "paid for comment" journo.
Very fair logic and if I was buying to keep a car for 10+ years, I'd also recommend buying a not very old used Toyota in a good condition. But for the city driving, 3-5 years max, then swap or hand down to kids to learn how to drive on, etc, it's a pretty good car. Otherwise, agree with you mate.
Nice review mate
Glad you liked it
Yes , i think _everybody_ is interested in long term reviews of chinese made cars ( excluding volvo etc ).
3 years is hardly long term but I get you mate
These cars are very good value for money on used market! I would not buy new, but used, is a very good value! Now you can get MG HS for around 20K and hybrid just over $25K that's very good value for a car like that. Give a few years and we will be able to buy Cherry Tiggo 7 Ultimate for 25K as well, not too bad... I like the options we have now and it is getting better and better....
Yep the more options, the better deals. However, Chinese brands started trying to climb in the initial pricing, being almost neck to neck with Toyotas of the world, which means that while depreciation is there, it has a higher initial level to drop down from. Take that into account.
That’s for info, looking at getting this model for my daughter’s first car. 👍
Glad to hear you liked it mate
If you plan to buy a used one ask if the warranty still applies to the used car.
In Hungary if you buy one of these cars and after 4 years you sell it the manufacturer gives the rest of the 3 years warranty to the new owner.
That's very cool that they do that. I don't think they would in Australia but never hurts to ask! Thanks for sharing
Absolutely fit for purpose. Rental fleets are full of them which tells you something. Will be a long term bargain secondhand. ZST is as good as 3 and 5 are bad.
Yep I wouldn't put my money on it being absolutely rock solid beyond 5 years mark, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with it by 3.
Thanks for the video.
Glad you liked it mate
Hi mate great video. I’m looking forward to getting one of these soon
Glad to hear you found it useful
Firstly thanks for taking the time to pass on your knowledge, l do however have some questions regarding the sunroof.
have you had any bad experiences with it and as we are both here in Sydney Australia how is it for cabin heat in summer.
Also l would like your opinion on the thin blind that covers it.
lm am tossing up between the ZST Excite or the Essence but l have concerns over the large sunroof.
Cheers Paul
Mate, there were no issues with the sunroof or the blind per se, other than - as I said in the 10 things I don't like about ZST video - it's too transparent and flimsy to repel the heat and the excessive light. Excite vs Essence - there are more than sunroof and blind differences between the 2 models, and they are profound, including the engine and the transmission, Sat Nav etc.... So if you can afford Essence mate, always go for top of the range with MG would be my advice.
Hi mate, I own a Peugeot 308 2018 model.. thinking of selling it off and buying a MG HS as I need some bigger leg room in the back seat and also as I always wanted to buy a SUV .. ur advice will be deeply appreciated..
If you're in Australia mate, I'd always rather go to Chinese (stronger presence and commercial intent for our shores) than one of the European brands such as Peugeot. It would be ok for Europe, but even there it's not known to be super reliable, but for AU? A solid Chinese car (and service/support) would run circles around something like Peugeot or Citroen.... This is not to say "go buy MG HS", this is to say - go test drive MG, GWM (not Chery) and see what you like and what fits your budget.
@@ValueCarsAU thank you .. yes am in Australia..
Thank you for your long term review! I'm looking on getting my first car to go to uni with, I have saved up 30k au, and I'm wondering if I should spend the extra cash and go new for a better car long term? The ZST looks like a solid car, what are your thoughts for it as first car? I know it's a lot for a first car but would you do it if you had the cash saved?
Hey if 30k is all you have and your income is limited, while this is a great car, I probably wouldn't invest my whole savings into it. If you're planning to drive for 10 years, you are always better off looking at Toyotas, Hondas and Subarus. Unfortunately, 30k won't buy you much of a Honda (they are very basic) and I don't think you'll fit into a new Subaru (check what their prices are for Crosstrek, maybe you will be able to on a runaway sale), but you probably would get a basic Toyota. It won't be as nice inside as ZST, but it *will* likely last you 10 years. If you are NOT looking to stick to the same car for 5+ years, then absolutely go for this ZST, it's great (and later you can sell it and buy something else).
@@ValueCarsAU I hadn’t considered that. And agreed, I won’t be earning a massive amount, and savings will probably be lower with a car 😂 I have heard the saying that Toyotas are solid vehicles, but all their new models are now so expensive. Indeed I can buy used, but I just want something that works and doesn’t need heaps of replacement parts. I’m not sure how to achieve that with used! Thanks for your reply, this seems like a really nice community you have created on here!
I've driven plenty of Electric MGs that are in the works fleet pool and the tech is on par with isuzu, the drive and seating is great but they all seem to have a weird interior smell.
Smell is probably from being new/imported/sprayed for transport - who knows? It's a weird comment.
@ValueCarsAU I know it's weird but 4 in the work fleet of various years from 2022-2024 all users, appropriately 20 minimum all say the same. Additionally the whole fleet varies from Ford, Isuzu, Hyundai, Nissan and MG.
How is your experience getting it serviced at MG? I am planning on buying the upcoming MG HS ☺️
I think service centres are varied mate, depends on the locality and the manager - they are not the same, just like McDonalds! 😉
Really want the new MG MY 2025, any idea when it comes out in Australia/Price?
I don't get any special notes from MG and would be in the same boat of using Google for the latest news on what their plans are...
@ValueCarsAU Saw the price last night, apparently its now starting at 33k and going up to 40k for top spec lol, same price as Toyota, crazy
Good reviews. More real world. Looking at getting a new car. Small SUV. Maybe mid size. Purpose is transport for one. Mostly from A to B (work - city, highway). Current car more than 10 yrs old. Looking at Chinese brands but people I talk to say to avoid. But, many have a bias against Chinese cars. Would you recommended Chinese brands if want to keep for 5 years or more established brand (maybe year or so used)?
If you are in Australia, you'll be fine (for a long time), not sure about 10 years... You'll get the car cheaper, and get more comfort and extras in it than from a badge snob-friendly brand. If you are in Europe with snow etc, I'd think twice and look at the price as cheaper initially will rust more easily and have more chances of breaking down due to overexposure to elements. Watch my next video.
@@ValueCarsAU Thanks. I'm in Australia. Good to hear. From a previous video, seems GWM/ Haval and MG would be good options among the chinese brands However GWM top with better build and less depreciation compared to the other chinese brands? Also, was looking at hybrids. Maybe Haval Jolion hybrid. How is the Haval and MG hybrids?
so this is the 1.0 Turbo version?
No it's a 1.2 Turbo
Planning to buy either a MG ZST essence either 2021 or 2023 with 20,000KM on the odometer. In case, you were selling this, how much would you sell it for? I guess I'm trying to understand whats the right buying price for me. Theres couple I've saved, 2023 for for $22,700 & 2021 for $21,000 both with more than 6 months rego. Does that sound reasonable to you?
Sounds reasonable mate. But frankly I have not swept the market for prices as we weren't planning to sell yet anyway.
Have you got 1.3l or 1.5l ?
If I remember well he has the top of the range one so 1.3L 3 cylinder turbo
The 1.3 is the 3 cylinder turbo?
Pretty sure ZST Essence is Turbo 1.3, and Core is natural 1.5
do u suggest buying ms zst.?
Depends what are your other options? Under the right conditions, it's a great car
My MG ZST Vibe broke down at 900 kilometers, it took a month for the part to arrive, this isn’t looking good for MG, very disappointed, it was an ECM fault and was replace, brake hold switch broke. The loaner was a Turbo ZST , it had a rattlie motor, the rear wiper had missing plastic and the drivers door made a clunk noise each time you close the door, we are going to hold on to the car for now but are preparing for a full refund should another problem happen.
Very unfortunate, given that you had 2 tries at ZST and neither worked. Very strange too, I don't hear this story much. You're clearly not in Australia as I doubt a part would be so unique that it would take a month to arrive while the car is on warranty.
@@ValueCarsAU sadly I'm in western Australia. 😞
@denominationsdontsaveonlyj8896
Me to. WA ( wait awhile)
I recently sold my mg zst top spec car for 24k with 7100km. Bought it brand new for 33990 in Feb 2023. I just found too many things that annoyed the hell out of me. 1. Can't turn off radio. 2. Paper thin sunroof. 3. Garbage vinyl seats when in the sun. 4. Really crappy infotainment system. 5. Premium fuel and full tank gets about 400km range. 6. Infotainment system randomly rebooted while driving a few times. 7. No rear seat vents, 8. No rear middle seat cup holders. 9. Mg dropped the price of the my23 zst top spec by $4,000 so it doesn't retain much value. 10. The 1.3 turbo engine has some weird turbo lag, 11. Depreciation... Chinese cars just don't hold their value. 12. Chinese car makers are currently selling their cars way below their rrp, the mg zst ev which was 49990 is currently on sale for 34990. 13. Tiny cup holders, 14. Apple carplay doesn't stay connected long even with official Apple cable, 15. If your on a call you can't turn the AC on. Never ever will I buy Chinese cars again. I ordered a Toyota rav4. I know it's more expensive but at least I know what I'm getting and it will hold value. I don't plan to sell my car for at least 5 years but something compelled me to sell the MG. Just my opinion and sharing my thoughts..
As I replied to your other comment - where are you based? I doubt that you can pull this off in Australia at the end of 2024.
I live in Blacktown and I really enjoy your videos. If only I found your channel prior to purchasing the mg. @@ValueCarsAU
Sold ours in 2 years. Absolute shit box. Rides terribly and it's safety videos are scary
What do you compare this "shit box" to? Within the same price category I mean. Genuinely interested so that I can better understand the high horse you ride on.