MG 6 - Honda Civic - Honda Civic vs MG 6 - better value used car?

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Tue 31 Oct 2017 10:31
MG 6 - Honda Civic - Honda Civic vs MG 6 - better value used car? - eustace

I am considering these 2 cars now.
This MG6 seems cracking value for a 3 year old low mileage car.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201707207555642

My thoughts on theb pros and cons of the MG6 are;

Pros:-
1) Seems like a lot of car for the money. Octavia size
2) Low mileage newish car for a low price
3) 1.8 turbo engine. So should have good mid-range torque
4) Non GDI engine. No potential carbon build up issues.
5) Engine based on rover k-series with head gasket issues remediated
6) independent Multi-link mcphereson rear suspension - best in class.
Hence excellent ride and handling.
7) Considered a good driver's car, with a fine balance of handling and ride comfort.
8) Rare / uncommon / not run of the mill car

Cons:-
1) The manufacturer has stopped seeling the car in UK.
Potential issue with availability of parts.
Car is still sold in other markets. Hence can parts still be sourced?
Every day parts like service components could potentially still be sourced. in UK
How about more unusual components such as; ABS sensors, torque sensors, steering rack, ECUs, body panels etc.
Is the chance that these parts need replacement so low, that they are made up by the low price of the car?

2) NCAP - 4 start rating.
Driver safety rating not top class.
Seems to be due to the use of a sinlge stage rather than a dual stage air bag.

3) How is the reliability?
While no major issues seem to be reported, the numbers in the market are still too low for a balanced picture.
SLO76 in another post had commented that when he looked at an MG6, he thought that there was no wheel arch protection, and that underbody coating did not seem very good.
However I don't see any rust issues reported online, except for some related to wiring and earthing points.

5) Poor fuel economy when compared to more modern cars. But similar to a mark 2 focus, with around 35 mpg.

6) 5 gear as opposed to 6 speed gear box. Hence reduced fuel efficiency

So on balance, is this car a good buy? Or is it that the above dis-advantages are serious and hence the low price?

I am looking for a car that will last me atleast 8 - 10 years. So is this car a good long term keeper?


In comparison, to the Honda Civic
Pros
1) Highly reliable
2) Good fuel economy for Petrol
3) Six speed gear box
4) NCAP 5 star rating


Cons
1) Suspension, ride and handling not best in class
2) The shape screams style over substance / form over function. Antithesis of all that I stand for. :-)
The spolier on the rear sctreen is a case in point.
But I can live with all that and buy the car despite this, beause of it's excellent reliability and engine.

3) Seems to hold it's value well, even compared to a Toyota. So not exactly a cracking deal, used.
4) More run of the mill when compared to the MG

If i need to travel to pick up the MG, there seems to be some good value Civics as well, if I am prepared to travel and pick it up.

Couple of potential cars:-
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201710170385264
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201709199452733
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201709199447343
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201708178415428

So looking for some advice as which is the better choice amongst the above cars...

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Tue 31 Oct 2017 10:40
MG 6 - Honda Civic - Honda Civic vs MG 6 - better value used car? - RT

What matters most to you - value or quality?

Sub-budget cars have always been better value than mainstream or premium models - that's how Hyundai/Kia got started but as their quality improved, so did the price.

In either case, it's an impossible comparison IMO.

Edited by RT on 31/10/2017 at 10:41

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Tue 31 Oct 2017 10:52
MG 6 - Honda Civic - Honda Civic vs MG 6 - better value used car? - eustace

I am looking at the function of the two.

If the MG offers almost Civic like quality, as well as other positive differentiating factors, at a fraction of the price, then the MG is a better buy overall.

Essentially I am wondering whether the MG is an underrated and undervalued car and hence a good buy, or whether it its valuation is a fair reflection of it's risks, and hence not a great buy.

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Tue 31 Oct 2017 10:58
MG 6 - Honda Civic - Honda Civic vs MG 6 - better value used car? - RobJP

It is a risk, yes. But every used car is a risk to some extent.

There are less than 1400 MG6 registered in the UK. Parts availability in the event of even a minor accident could be a major issue - for example, front wings, bumpers, dashboard components if the airbags have fired off, glass, light units, etc.

You've got to balance your attitude to the risk versus the price saving. Just as you would if contemplating any other car.

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Tue 31 Oct 2017 11:06
MG 6 - Honda Civic - Honda Civic vs MG 6 - better value used car? - eustace

I guess that would depend on the support MG Motors would offer for a withdrawn car.

The MG6 is still sold in other markets, and the company is still selling MG5 and other models in UK. So what are the chances that they would continue to support the MG6 with parts?

On the other hand, how viable is it for the company to stock MGt parts, if just 1400 have been sold...

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Tue 31 Oct 2017 11:21
MG 6 - Honda Civic - Honda Civic vs MG 6 - better value used car? - gordonbennet

Valid points about parts, both body and mecahnical/electrical.

I think different people can and should have different types of vehicles.

some people knock their cars about, don't look after them, accident prone, bash kerbs, are generally poor drivers to boot, these drivers require proven cars with plentiful parts so no matter how much they abuse them the repair industry can keep fixing them until they are economic write offs

other people look after their cars are careful drivers keep things clean lubed and well maintained, have mechabical sympathy and excellent driving records don't bash kerbs and manage to avoid accidents

the former group i would suggest the MG6 isn't for them, the second group could probably run any car (preferably without idiotic things like automated manual gearboxes or electric parking brakes designed and destined to fail) for many years with minimal trouble, so an MG6 could well be a decent bet for them, especially if they don't mind doing some TLC themselves...

ie. a regular brake strip clean lube up will usually see the whole braking system never needing anything other than friction materal replacements for the whole life of the vehicle, the former type of owner will possibly need new brake calipers by year 5 in many cases and might need new brake pipes too...clutches driven with mechanical sympathy have similar life differences.

incidentally i see the MOT was due on the MG in May, dealer possibly desperate to get rid of now, a cheeky offer might see that bought.

Edited by gordonbennet on 31/10/2017 at 11:41

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Tue 31 Oct 2017 11:19
MG 6 - Honda Civic - Honda Civic vs MG 6 - better value used car? - SLO76
The Civic is the rational choice. It's a far better made and more modern car which is always an easy sell when you're done with it. It's better on fuel, more refined and has no real vices reliability wise and even if something were to fail parts availability is excellent.

I stood and watched an MG6 go through the auction I was at last week and despite requiring no paint and generally looking very fresh no one was interested, the trade hate them and will bid them well below book if at all and Joe public wasn't sure what to make of it, I thought one of them would take a pop at it but no one did. Having said that they can be outstanding value for money if you can get one cheap enough. Just remember it'll be worthless when you come to sell on again so it has to be bargain basement money. Any dealer stuck with one as a part ex will be desperate to offload it in favour of filling the space with good sellable metal like a Civic.

I'd personally go for the Civic without even a moments thought unless you're desperate to own something different.

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Tue 31 Oct 2017 11:34
MG 6 - Honda Civic - Honda Civic vs MG 6 - better value used car? - eustace

Thanks Gordon Benett / SLO76 for your inputs.

Your points make perfect sense. Looks like Civic is the way to go.

While I would have liked something different, I want something I can potentially keep for 10 years, as changing cars is too much hassle for me. I'd rather spend time analyszing the pros and cons and make the best decision, and then live with it for as long as possible.

Also in case you were wondering about the previous post where I had asked advice on the Civic, I had agreed to offer the seller the price he asked, subject to a check of the car at a local garage. He then backed out, 15 minutes before the garage appointment, saying that he is no longer interested in selling. But the ad is still active. So he is porbably expecting a higher price. But didn't want to update on that post, in case I prejudice some other potential buyer who is considering that car.

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Tue 31 Oct 2017 22:33
MG 6 - Honda Civic - Honda Civic vs MG 6 - better value used car? - gordonbennet
He then backed out, 15 minutes before the garage appointment, saying that he is no longer interested in selling. But the ad is still active. So he is porbably expecting a higher price.

That suggests to me there was something amiss with the car after all, full price subject to a garage check, i'd have been there like a shot with my car.

If you really are going for a Civic and want it for a long time, then i'd try to keep to cars that have lived in the south of the country, hopefully subject to less salt than the north uses, id also get your indy mechanic to give the brakes a real service because they might well only have been peered at in a Honda workshop or had some brake cleaner squirted in the general direction if they were lucky.

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Tue 31 Oct 2017 11:44
MG 6 - Honda Civic - Honda Civic vs MG 6 - better value used car? - nellyjak

Agree....^^^^...the Civic without doubt.

The MG does look an excellent buy...on the surface...but it's at that price for a reason. Most peeps would like to think that there would be some acceptable value left in the car when it comes to changing it...that's highly unlikely with the MG.

Your choice of course...but for me it's a no-brainer....the Civic.

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Tue 31 Oct 2017 11:55
MG 6 - Honda Civic - Honda Civic vs MG 6 - better value used car? - gordonbennet

3year old 5000 mile MG versus 5 year old 45k mile Civic, after 5 years the MG is worth what nothing?, after 5 years the Civic is worth what £1000?, whats the difference you've still lost £5000 in depreciation, the MG will still be 2 years newer through its life and near on 40k less travelled miles to boot.

Any time after 5 years would be a bonus whichever vehicle was chosen.

If that MG was an estate i'd give it a whirl for SWMBO, unfortunately wrong shape for us, which similarly has seen us without a Kia Magentis or Hyundai Sonata, either of which would have done us proud in estate form.

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Tue 31 Oct 2017 13:27
MG 6 - Honda Civic - Honda Civic vs MG 6 - better value used car? - SLO76

3year old 5000 mile MG versus 5 year old 45k mile Civic, after 5 years the MG is worth what nothing?, after 5 years the Civic is worth what £1000?, whats the difference you've still lost £5000 in depreciation, the MG will still be 2 years newer through its life and near on 40k less travelled miles to boot.

Any time after 5 years would be a bonus whichever vehicle was chosen.

If that MG was an estate i'd give it a whirl for SWMBO, unfortunately wrong shape for us, which similarly has seen us without a Kia Magentis or Hyundai Sonata, either of which would have done us proud in estate form.

A ten year old Civic is still very sellable and will be worth £2-£3k if in good order. Selling the MG will raise the equivalent of a McD Happy meal. Auto Trader: www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20170825868...0

Edited by SLO76 on 31/10/2017 at 13:28

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Tue 31 Oct 2017 15:34
MG 6 - Honda Civic - Honda Civic vs MG 6 - better value used car? - madf

MG spares may well be available in 3-4 years time but at what cost? Odds on they will be loaded to ensure the seller makes a lot of profit on a item for which demand is minimal. Think Citroen C6 prices £1500 for a new front bumper.

One minor crash and it's a write off..

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Tue 31 Oct 2017 15:42
MG 6 - Honda Civic - Honda Civic vs MG 6 - better value used car? - pd

When it comes to resale we're talking about a 15 year old Civic v a 13 year old MG6.

Neither is going to be worth much more than a tin of beans which is ironic because by that point both will be very near to becoming just that.

The Civic might be worth a little bit more but we're probably talking £750 v £500 - it will be more down to whether the car still works, still complies with whatever the emissions regs are by 2027 to even drive it anywhere and whether it has a MOT.

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Tue 31 Oct 2017 21:25
MG 6 - Honda Civic - Honda Civic vs MG 6 - better value used car? - eustace

http://www.mgcarforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=229

Guess the above post clinches it. Shame though. I would rather liked to have owned a turbo charged non GDI engine. :-(

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Tue 31 Oct 2017 21:29
MG 6 - Honda Civic - Honda Civic vs MG 6 - better value used car? - bazza

Eustace, if I may say politely- you are over-thinking this one! I thought we had sorted you out with an Auris or a Civic? If you want a car to last 10 years just go and buy one of those, either will do just fine, of course there are some others too but you won't go wrong with something from either. They won't set your pants on fire, but will serve as decent, reliable, pleasant and solid transport, a far far better bet than a re-worked Chinese model, having very poor sales, poor reviews, likely poor back-up and spares. and no longer in production. When did you last see one on the road!

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Tue 31 Oct 2017 22:13
MG 6 - Honda Civic - Honda Civic vs MG 6 - better value used car? - eustace

Eustace, if I may say politely- you are over-thinking this one! I thought we had sorted you out with an Auris or a Civic? If you want a car to last 10 years just go and buy one of those, either will do just fine, of course there are some others too but you won't go wrong with something from either. They won't set your pants on fire, but will serve as decent, reliable, pleasant and solid transport, a far far better bet than a re-worked Chinese model, having very poor sales, poor reviews, likely poor back-up and spares. and no longer in production. When did you last see one on the road!

Thanks Bazza! You don't need to be polite. I'm sure I've tried more than a few people's patience on this forum.

Yes, looks like Civic is the way I'll go. I did test drive the new Auris, but found the Civic a better drive and significantly more spacious.

I do tend to overthink many things in life, particulalrly things I am vey interested in, such as cars.

Unfortunately, I live my life too rationally. Can't dream of spending £3.50 for a coffee, when I think that the same price can buy me 2 whole bottles of Sainsbury's excellent instant coffee powder. Have to grin and bear it when we go to a pub after work and throw down £5 for a pint of beer, when I can get a 10 bottle pack of Sainsbury's Bierre d' Orr for £3.60. Similarly I only buy supermarket own branded products, unless I am convinced of gettting value for the branded stuff.

Confession over. :-)

Edited by eustace on 31/10/2017 at 22:33

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Tue 31 Oct 2017 23:21
MG 6 - Honda Civic - Honda Civic vs MG 6 - better value used car? - Bolt

Similarly I only buy supermarket own branded products, unless I am convinced of gettting value for the branded stuff.

Imo if the Sainsburys items taste nowhere near the same as branded I wont buy, most buy them to save money and then say it tastes as good as the more expensive,I often wonder who they are trying to kid, not much imo is the same and certainly not better.

but thats my opinion

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Tue 31 Oct 2017 22:01
MG 6 - Honda Civic - Honda Civic vs MG 6 - better value used car? - Manatee

Where are they made?

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