MG

MG 6 (2012)

641 real MOT outcomes analysed • 75.9% first-time pass rate

2012 MG 6

CarHunch analysed 641 real MOT records for the 2012 MG 6. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2012 MG 6 falls short of the UK average with a 75.9% first-time pass rate, and that's a significant concern—nearly half of these cars (46.5%) have recorded dangerous defects during their MOT history, which is well above acceptable levels for a buyer evaluating safety. This suggests systematic issues beyond minor wear and tear.

At 53,900 miles median, these cars are running relatively low mileage for their age, yet they're averaging 3.11 failures and 19.5 advisories per test, pointing to underlying build or component quality problems rather than just age-related degradation. If you're considering one, budget for repairs and insist on a full MOT history check before purchase—the high dangerous defect rate makes this model riskier than most alternatives in its class.

The 2012 MG 6 has a decent first-time pass rate (75.9%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
75.9%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
46.5%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
3.11
Over 12.3 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
54k
Middle half: 42k–66k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 19.5 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 641 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 641 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 46.5%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 39.5%
Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material · Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material · Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 36.6%
Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2012.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 641 MG 6 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2012 MG 6

Based on MOT data from 641 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 46.5% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (96%) 614 76% 3.11

Colour Breakdown

Based on 2,600 MG 6 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Grey 23.5%
611
Black 19%
495
White 18%
467
Red 13%
339
Silver 12.4%
323
Blue 7.8%
202
Orange 4.1%
107
Gold 2.2%
56

Mileage Distribution

Most 2012 MG 6 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

53,900
typical
42,447
low mileage
66,083
high mileage

Half of all 2012 MG 6 vehicles fall between 42,447 and 66,083 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 42,447 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
42,447–66,083 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2012 MG 6s sit.
Over 89,212 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2012 MG 6 — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 48% of 2012 MG 6s are still active.

Numbers are declining — 293 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (48% of peak).

606 293 2015 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2015–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

12.3
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
3.11
Avg failures per vehicle
19.5
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — MG 6: All 6 years → Which year to buy? →
2011 2013 2014 2015 2016

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Compare with another model

See how the 2012 MG 6 stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing