Used MG MG3 for sale near Basildon

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.0 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 500
Average Price: Around £11,000

MG3 (2013-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Nimble handling	Stiff and uncomfortable ride
Affordably priced	The interior feels cheap
Reasonably practical	Surprisingly expensive servicing

Quick Summary

The MG3 is a budget supermini that offers a lot of car for the money on paper. Owned by Chinese manufacturer SAIC, it competes directly with the Dacia Sandero and Suzuki Swift rather than premium rivals like the VW Polo. The MG3 provides reasonable interior space with plenty of headroom and legroom, plus a decent-sized boot. However, the cost-cutting is evident throughout, with low-rent plastics and a creaky infotainment system, though the 2018 facelift brought some improvements in overall quality.

The single 1.5-litre petrol engine feels dated and lethargic without turbocharging, producing around 40mpg in real-world driving. The vague clutch and notchy five-speed gearbox make it tricky to drive smoothly, whilst the firm ride jostles passengers over urban roads. On the positive side, the MG3 has nimble handling and reacts quickly to steering inputs, offering a sporty edge for a budget car. Servicing costs are surprisingly expensive, though the metal timing chain should last the car's lifetime. Poor resale values mean you may lose more money overall compared to buying a more established rival.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking maximum space and warranty coverage, and those who appreciate nimble handling on a tight budget.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising interior quality, fuel economy, comfortable rides, or strong resale values, and those seeking a more refined driving experience.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the MG3 if: You're seeking maximum space and warranty coverage on a tight budget, and you appreciate nimble handling in a budget-focused supermini.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise interior quality, fuel economy, comfortable rides, strong resale values, or a refined driving experience.

Competitive Position: The MG3 is a budget supermini that offers low purchase prices but delivers a dated and uncomfortable driving experience. Whilst it boasts nimble handling and reasonable practicality, the cheap interior, stiff ride, and surprisingly expensive servicing costs undermine its value proposition. The Dacia Sandero and Suzuki Swift offer better user ratings and stronger resale values, making them more sensible choices for most buyers. Unless you specifically need maximum space and a long warranty for minimal outlay, rivals provide better overall value and ownership experience.

Read our full MG3 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from April 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.