MG 3 (2013)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 200 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,807
£151/month
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Good
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1498cc Petrol
Solid Option
86% pass rate, £1807/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1498cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 13 years old, 86% of MG 3s from 2013 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 200 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 60,551 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
60,551
Average miles
96,200
Expected for age
The average 2013 MG 3 has 60,551 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-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?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2014 model has the lowest at 79%. The 2013 sits between the two at 86%.
MG 3 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2013 MG 3
The 2013 MG 3 is a small family car with a 1498cc petrol engine. 200 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2013, the average MOT pass rate is 80%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 60,551 miles at 13 years old, 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 £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2013 MG 3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,807 (£151/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.
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
Based on the 2013 MG 3's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskAlways 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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MG 3(2013) | 86% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1807 |
| FORD FIESTA(2015) | 81% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£417 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2015) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£85 |
| FORD FOCUS(2013) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£20 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2015) | 81% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1572-£235 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Mg Models
Explore other Mg cars or similar models in the same category.
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2020 · 0cc Electric
MG ZS EXCLUSIVE VTI-TECH
2021 · 1498cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2015 · 998cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2015 · 1398cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2013 · 1596cc Petrol
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