What You Should Know About Buying a Used Hector: Pros, Cons, and Common Issues

The MG Hector has seen moderate success in the Indian market and its reviews have been somewhat of a mixed bag. The SUV clearly punches above its weight when it comes to cabin comfort, tech features and ride quality at lower speeds. However, it seriously under-delivers on mileage, spare parts availability and resale. All in all, a used MG Hector isn’t something you should rush into without an in-depth understanding of the car’s pros, cons and known problems.

Why Should You Buy a Used MG Hector? The Pros: 

Here are some of the main pros of buying a used MG Hector:

1. Tremendous Value for Money

The MG Hector is packed with features like a panoramic sunroof, a 10.4-inch infotainment screen, connected car technology, voice command, ambient lighting, etc. With a pre-owned one, you have access to all of those without shelling out the full price. A three-year-old Hector could be 25–35% lower in price than a brand-new one.

2. Spacious Interiors

If you've ever travelled in a Hector, you know how the cabin feels: super-premium, spacious, and roomy. It's perfect for families, road trips, or even just for those who enjoy sprawling. Comfort in the third-row configuration is also exceptionally good, and tall passengers won't complain.

3. Solid Road Presence

The MG Hector is a massive head-turner due to its size, massive grille, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), and rugged posture. It doesn't appear outdated and will continue looking good even two years down the road, provided you opt for the updated model (2021 and above).

4. Premium Features, Even in Older Cars

Even the oldest 2019–2020 Hectors featured:

• Cruise control
• 6 airbags (in high-end trims)
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Internet Inside tech
• Rear parking camera and sensors

Purchasing a used Hector guarantees that you are not compromising on premium features.

5. Great Engine Options

The MG Hector is offered in:

• 1.5L petrol (with or without mild-hybrid tech)
• 2.0L diesel (Fiat-sourced, decent performer)
• Petrol CVT or DCT, if you prefer an auto

Regardless of your driving style, there is definitely a version for you.

Why Should You Not Buy a Used MG Hector? The Cons: 

Even though there are a lot of reasons to buy this SUV from the used car market, here are some downsides of it as well:

1. Not the Most Fuel-Efficient

Petrol Hector, particularly the DCT models, are quite fuel-thirsty and deliver average mileage. Fuel efficiency in real-world conditions is just around 8–10 km/l. The diesel engine is more efficient at around 14–16 km/l, but it is still not at par with some of its rivals.

2. Handling and Driving Dynamics Are Just Okay

This is not a car for driving enthusiasts. The steering feels light and disconnected when travelling at high speeds, and the car is not a sporty one when cornering. If you like to drive passionately, this may not be your car.

3. Large Car, Rough City Living

The Hector is not only long and wide but also more than 4.6 metres. Driving it through small roads or narrow parking lots can be a nightmare, particularly if you are used to driving compact cars.

4. Doubtful Resale

MG is a fairly new company in India. Hector's resale values (particularly petrol variants) may not be as great as established players such as Hyundai or Toyota.

Common Issues with Used MG Hectors (Owner Responses)

Even though most of the Hectors are dependable, there are always problems in a car, no matter how perfect it is to some. These are some common issues reported by MG Hector owners on forums like TeamBHP:

1. Infotainment System Stutters or Freezes

The huge 10.4-inch screen is a showstopper, but some owners have complained that it's laggy. Some of the complaints are:

• Freezing while booting up
• Sluggish response
• Crashing when driving Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

A quick software patch should rectify it, but try it out on your test drive.

2. DCT Transmission Overheating (in Petrol DCT Models)

The dual-clutch automatic version (common in pre-2021 petrol Hectors) overheats during city traffic congestion. It's a common glitch in DCT transmissions. MG released updates and mods, but some models still suffer from it. If you live in a traffic-congested city and mostly drive small distances, avoid the DCT variant.

3. Low Battery Life in Early Models
 

MG Hector owners have reported that the battery runs low very quickly, particularly when the plugged-in features are always in use. The initial software releases did not control the power draw adequately. Later models saw improvements, but battery health should always be inspected before buying.

4. Squeaky Sunroof or Rattling Panels

A few owners experienced intermittent rattling from the panoramic sunroof or interior trim, mostly after 2–3 years. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's annoying if you're finicky about a quiet and ambient cabin.

5. Suspension Noise on Poor Roads

Hector's suspension is calibrated for comfort, but two years and Indian roads can take their toll on the suspension components, causing thudding or creaking noises. Get the suspension checked if you’re opting for older models (pre-2021). 

So, Should You Go for a Used MG Hector?

Yes, if you want a tech-loaded, spacious SUV and don’t mind slightly average mileage.

A used MG Hector is a great SUV for families, tech lovers, and anyone who wants a premium SUV feel without spending ₹20+ lakhs. Just do your due diligence, inspect everything carefully, and negotiate smartly. 

Summary

A used MG Hector can be a smart buy if you know what you’re looking for. It delivers road presence, a spacious cabin, and top-shelf features, many of which still rival brand-new SUVs today. However, not all variants are equally reliable. Petrol-DCT models may overheat in traffic, infotainment software can act up, and battery/suspension issues might surface in older cars. That said, if you’re buying from a trusted platform such as CARS24 where all cars are thoroughly inspected, a pre-owned Hector can give you a premium SUV experience without the new car price tag.