Used MG 3 2013-2024 reliability review

The MG 3 is a spacious small car that’s fun to drive, but a gutless engine and dated interior on pre-facelift examples mean there are better options

What should I look for in a used MG MG3?

When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.

The 3's interior is made with plenty of hard plastics that could be susceptible to showing damage, so check the interior for scratches and scuff marks. Make sure the seats and carpets are free of damp, because some door seals on early cars have been known to let water in.

Apart from the standard checks for paint and bodywork damage, you might want to consider where your closest MG dealer is for servicing and spare parts. MG is a small brand, so while it's working on improving its network coverage, finding a dealer won’t be as easy as it would be if you owned a Ford or Vauxhall, for example.

Is a used MG MG3 reliable?

The MG 3 was absent from our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, but MG, as a car brand, ranked 25th out of 32 manufacturers – a poor result.

Used MG 3: owners' reliability data

As part of our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, our readers commented positively about the MG 3’s mechanical reliability – only a few major repairs were reported. However, several owners did experience minor electrical issues, such as faulty sensors and problems with the dashboard displays.

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In terms of dealer service, the feedback was predominantly positive. Owners appreciated the quick and efficient service provided by MG dealerships, noting that staff were generally helpful and proactive in resolving issues. Nevertheless, there were isolated reports of dissatisfaction with the availability of replacement parts, which sometimes led to longer waiting times for repairs.

Used MG 3 2013-2024 boot

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About the writer

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Name: Oliver Young

Title: Reviewer

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Oliver Young spent three years as What Car?'s used car reporter, before becoming a reviewer in 2024. Oliver produces new car reviews for What Car? magazine and whatcar.com as part of the road test team.

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