Used MG MG3 for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 35.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.0 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 360
Average Price: Around £10,230

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 a tempting entry price point for buyers seeking affordable motoring. Owned by Chinese company SAIC, MG Motor has repositioned itself away from classic sports cars to deliver bargain-basement hatchbacks. The MG3 provides reasonable interior space with plenty of headroom and legroom, plus a decent-sized boot, though the cabin features low-rent plastics and a creaky infotainment system. The 2018 facelift brought improvements in quality, but even newer examples feel cheap compared to mainstream rivals.

Powered by a dated 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, the MG3 delivers around 40mpg in real-world driving but lags behind rivals in fuel economy and CO2 emissions. The firm ride proves uncomfortable at low speeds and on motorways, though the car does offer nimble handling and responsive steering when cornering. Servicing costs are surprisingly expensive for a budget car, though the metal timing chain should last the vehicle's lifetime. With low second-hand values and limited demand, buyers should consider whether spending slightly more on a used rival might offer better long-term value.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking maximum space and warranty coverage, and those prioritising low purchase price above all else.

Not ideal for: Drivers wanting a comfortable ride, premium interior quality, affordable servicing, or strong resale values, or those seeking a more refined driving experience.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the MG3 if: You're on a tight budget, need maximum interior space, want an extended warranty, and prioritise low purchase price above all other considerations.

Consider alternatives if: You value comfort, premium interior quality, affordable servicing, strong resale values, or a refined driving experience.

Competitive Position: The MG3 occupies the budget end of the supermini market, competing directly with the Dacia Sandero and Suzuki Swift. Whilst it offers nimble handling and reasonable practicality, its uncomfortable ride, cheap interior, and expensive servicing costs undermine its appeal. The Dacia Sandero delivers superior user ratings and better value, whilst the Suzuki Swift offers a more refined experience with higher expert and user ratings. Unless you specifically need maximum space and warranty coverage at the lowest possible price, rivals offer better overall value and ownership experience. The MG3's low second-hand values also mean you may lose more money over time compared to more established competitors.

Read our full MG3 Review

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