Used MG MG3 for sale near East Midlands

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.0 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 400
Average Price: Around £10,000

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-focused supermini that offers excellent value for money, with a low purchase price that undercuts most mainstream rivals. Owned by Chinese company SAIC, MG Motor has repositioned itself away from classic sports cars to deliver affordable hatchbacks and SUVs. The MG3 provides reasonable interior space with plenty of headroom and legroom, plus a decent-sized boot suitable for most supermini buyers. However, cost-cutting is evident throughout, with low-rent plastics and a creaky infotainment system, though the 2018 facelift brought some quality improvements.

On the road, the MG3 feels dated, powered by an old-fashioned 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that lacks turbocharging and feels lethargic. The engine is noisy and vibration-prone, whilst the vague clutch and notchy five-speed gearbox make smooth driving challenging in urban environments. The firm ride jostles over poor road surfaces, though this translates to nimble, fun handling in corners with responsive steering and good grip. Real-world fuel economy sits around 40mpg, lagging behind rivals, and servicing costs are surprisingly expensive. However, the timing chain should last the car's lifetime, and the MG3 offers genuine fun at a bargain-basement price point.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking maximum value, those prioritising interior space and warranty coverage, and drivers who appreciate nimble handling over refinement.

Not ideal for: Buyers wanting a comfortable, refined driving experience, those seeking low servicing costs, or those concerned about resale value and residual depreciation.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the MG3 if: You're on a tight budget, need maximum interior space and warranty coverage, and appreciate nimble handling over refinement and comfort.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise a comfortable, refined driving experience, want low servicing costs, or are concerned about poor resale value and depreciation.

Competitive Position: The MG3 occupies a unique position in the budget supermini market, offering exceptional value and genuine fun at a bargain price. Whilst it lacks the refinement and comfort of more expensive rivals, its nimble handling and spacious interior appeal to cost-conscious buyers. The Kia Rio offers superior user satisfaction and overall ratings, whilst the Suzuki Swift provides better expert credentials. However, the MG3 remains a compelling choice for those willing to accept dated engineering and cheap interior materials in exchange for maximum affordability and a sense of driving enjoyment rarely found at this budget end of the market.

Read our full MG3 Review

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