# MG MG3 — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the MG MG3 on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/mg-mg3

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2021
- **Ideal trim**: Excite
- **Target mileage**: 30,000–50,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £8,499

## Why this model

The MG3 is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a new-ish car on a tight budget. It offers a lot of space for a supermini, comes with a generous 7-year/80,000-mile warranty (which means a 2021 model still has plenty of manufacturer cover left!), and is generally cheap to insure and run. It's not the most refined or exciting car to drive, but it's honest, practical, and gets the job done reliably.

## What you should pay

Based on current UK market data (February 2026), a 3-4 year old MG3 1.5 Excite with around 30,000-50,000 miles typically sells for around £8,499. Prices can vary by about ±15% depending on exact mileage, condition, and optional extras, but this is a solid target. It represents excellent value compared to rivals, especially considering the remaining warranty.

## Which trim to buy

The 'Excite' trim hits the sweet spot for the MG3. It adds essential features like an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors, and alloy wheels, making it feel much more modern and comfortable than the basic 'Explore' model. The top-spec 'Exclusive Nav' adds built-in sat-nav and a reverse camera, but the 'Excite' with CarPlay means you can use your phone's navigation, making the 'Exclusive' less essential and saving you a bit of cash.

## What to check before you buy

- Infotainment system can be a bit slow or clunky
- Some owners report minor electrical gremlins
- Suspension bushes can wear over time, leading to knocking noises
- Interior plastics can feel a bit hard and scratchy

## Running costs

Running costs for the MG3 are generally low. You can expect around 42.3 mpg, which at current petrol prices (approx. £1.45/litre) works out to about 15.5 pence per mile. Road tax (VED) for cars registered after April 2017 is a flat £190 per year. Insurance is typically affordable, placing it in lower groups. Servicing costs are also competitive.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 106 hp
- **Mpg**: 42.3 mpg (combined)
- **Reliability Score**: Good for its price point, backed by a long warranty.
- **Safety Rating**: 3 stars (Euro NCAP 2014) - note this is an older rating.

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Explore | £12,495 | £7,500 | 8-inch colour touchscreen; DAB radio; Bluetooth |
| Excite | £13,495 | £8,499 | 8-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay; Rear parking sensors; 16-inch alloy wheels |
| Exclusive Nav | £14,495 | £9,500 | 8-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Satellite Navigation; Rear parking camera; LED daytime running lights |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £8,499 | 100% |
| 2027 | £7,650 | 90% |
| 2028 | £6,885 | 81% |
| 2029 | £6,195 | 73% |
| 2030 | £5,575 | 66% |

The MG3 has already taken its biggest depreciation hit in its first few years. Buying a 3-5 year old model like the 2021 'Excite' means you're getting it at a great price point where its value loss will slow down considerably. It's a good car to hold onto for a few years, as its low purchase price means the percentage loss on resale will be less impactful than on more expensive vehicles.

Total value lost since new: 34%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Dacia Sandero](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/dacia-sandero.md)
- [Kia Picanto](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/kia-picanto.md)
- [Suzuki Swift](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/suzuki-swift.md)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.