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
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What's the used MG MG3 like?
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Reliability
Oliver Young
Updated: 29 April 2024
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What should I look for in a used MG MG3?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
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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.
What are the most common problems with a used MG MG3?
The 3's only recall (as of writing) is an issue with the fuel tank strap bolts not being manufactured to the correct specification – 543 examples are said to be involved and your local MG dealer will be able to fix the issue at no cost to you. However, there are a few other things to look out for if you're interested in buying one.
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The most serious is that the timing chain on early models can stretch and skip a cog, leading to rough running, poor starting and eventual engine failure. An upgraded chain is available to prevent this from happening again, and later cars shouldn't have this problem.
Make sure the rear parking sensors work on models that have them, because some have been known to fail. Also, some 3s have had their clutch pedal go to the floor but not pop back up again. An MG dealer should be aware of the cause and be able to fix it quite easily. But if you take it to an independent garage, they’ll most likely take longer to diagnose the cause of the fault, and your repair cost could start mounting up.
Click here for more information. Contact your local MG dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.
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.
Tips & Advice
Check for outstanding recalls
Many cars are recalled so that faults can be put right. Recall work shouldn’t cost you a penny, and they’ll make your car safer or more mechanically robust. Checking if your car has been recalled is easy
Choose the right breakdown cover
You may already have a breakdown policy through your home insurance or new-car warranty so check to avoid paying twice
Make sure you have warranty cover
New cars usually have warranties that last between three and seven years that can help cover the cost of mechanical faults. But this protection can last longer with an extended warranty
About the writer
Name: Oliver Young
Title: Senior Reviewer
Follow Oliver Young on
Oliver Young spent three years as What Car?'s used car reporter, before becoming a reviewer in 2024 and senior reviewer in 2026. Oliver produces new car reviews for What Car? magazine and whatcar.com as part of the road test team.
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