Used MG MG3 for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 38.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 500
Average Price: Around £25,000

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 (2013-present) is a budget-focused supermini that offers nimble handling and an affordable entry point into new car ownership. Owned by Chinese manufacturer SAIC, MG Motor has repositioned itself away from classic sports cars to deliver bargain-basement hatchbacks. The MG3 is the cheapest in the range, competing directly with the Dacia Sandero and Suzuki Swift rather than premium rivals like the Volkswagen Polo. Whilst it lacks the polish of more expensive competitors, it delivers a sporty edge and reasonable practicality with decent headroom, legroom, and boot space.

However, the MG3's budget positioning is evident throughout. The interior features low-rent plastics and a clunky infotainment system, though the 2018 facelift brought improvements. The dated 1.5-litre petrol engine lacks turbocharging, feels lethargic, and is noisy with significant vibration. The firm ride proves uncomfortable at low speeds and on motorways, whilst the vague clutch and notchy five-speed gearbox make smooth driving difficult. Servicing costs are surprisingly expensive, and poor residual values mean you'll lose significant cash when selling. At over £13,000 new, it's difficult to justify when better-equipped used alternatives are available for similar money.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking maximum space and warranty coverage, and those who appreciate nimble handling in a compact package.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising comfort, interior quality, fuel economy, or long-term value retention, or those seeking a 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 compact supermini.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise comfort, interior quality, fuel economy, or long-term value retention, or you want a refined driving experience.

Competitive Position: The MG3 occupies a challenging position in the budget supermini market. Whilst it offers nimble handling and affordability, its uncomfortable ride, cheap interior, and expensive servicing costs undermine its appeal. The Dacia Sandero matches it on expert rating but scores higher with users, whilst the Suzuki Swift and Kia Rio both achieve superior expert ratings and overall CarGurus scores. For most buyers, spending slightly more on a used alternative with better build quality and driving refinement represents better value than purchasing a new MG3.

Read our full MG3 Review

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