MG 3 (2016)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 5,218 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Total Tests (2024)
5,218
Avg Mileage
48,631 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,677
Is the 2016 MG 3 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MG brand average of 86%.
At 8 years old, 82% of MG 3s from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 5,218 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 48,631 miles.
How does the 2016 MG 3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2016 MG 3 has 48,631 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a MG 3?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2014 model has the lowest at 79%. The 2016 sits between the two at 82%.
How much does a 2016 MG 3 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MG 3 by Year
Checking a specific MG 3?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2016 MG 3
The 2016 MG 3 is a small family car with a 1498cc petrol engine. 5,218 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 79% of 2016 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 48,631 miles at 8 years old, MG 3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 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 2016 MG 3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,677 (£140/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% 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 2016 MG 3
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. With 5,218 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2016 MG 3
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2015) 81% pass rate (-1%) from 225,575 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2015) 78% pass rate (-4%) from 160,438 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2014) 80% pass rate (-2%) from 131,119 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2017) 86% pass rate (+4%) from 100,176 tests