MG 3 (2013)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 200 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,078

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1498cc Petrol

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £2,078/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1498cc13 years old200 tests61k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1498cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,078

Per month£173/mo

Per week£40/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

86% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

86% of MOT tests on MG 3s from 2013 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 11 years old. That's based on 200 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 60,551 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2013 models228th of 588(top half)

Rank among MG models88th of 155(bottom half)

vs average of all models+4%(82% avg)

vs 2013 models average+6%(80% avg)

vs MG average+0%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

60,551

Average miles

81,400

Expected for age

The average 2013 MG 3 had 60,551 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2014 model has the lowest at 79%. The 2013 scores 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

MG 3 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	91%	141	19,942 mi
2021	92%	1,100	19,633 mi
2020	90%	2,869	24,046 mi
2019	88%	6,117	29,253 mi
2018	85%	4,329	36,732 mi
2017	80%	5,135	43,780 mi
2016	82%	5,218	48,631 mi
2015	79%	4,075	53,548 mi
2014	79%	2,698	57,573 mi
2013	86%	200	60,551 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2015 · 998cc Petrol

£1,600/year

81%

-5%

Vauxhall Corsa

2015 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

78%

-8%

Ford Focus

2013 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

78%

-8%

Nissan Qashqai

2015 · 1400cc Petrol

£2,003/year

81%

-5%

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About the 2013 MG 3

The 2013 MG 3 is a small family car. Our records list a 1498cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 200 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2013, the average MOT pass rate is 80%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 60,551 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, MG 3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2013 MG 3 Fuel Costs

The 1498cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2013 MG 3?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,078 (£173/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MG 3 Reliability Trend

Newer MG 3s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2013 MG 3

At 13 years old, the MG 3 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2013 MG 3 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
MG 3(2013)	86%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078
Ford Fiesta(2015)	81%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,600-£478
Vauxhall Corsa(2015)	78%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£75
Ford Focus(2013)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£150
Nissan Qashqai(2015)	81%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,003-£75

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2013 MG 3

Is the 2013 MG 3 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2013 MG 3s ended in a pass, from 200 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2013 MG 3 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,078 a year (£173 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2013 MG 3?

86% of 200 MOT tests on the 2013 MG 3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 228th of 588 models first registered in 2013 (top half).

Which year MG 3 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 MG 3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2014 the lowest at 79%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2013 MG 3?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2013 MG 3 is 60,551 miles, which is below the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.