MG 3 (2018)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 4,329 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Total Tests (2024)
4,329
Avg Mileage
36,732 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,732
Is the 2018 MG 3 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 6 years old, 85% of MG 3s from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 4,329 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 36,732 miles.
How does the 2018 MG 3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2018 MG 3 has 36,732 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-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 2018 sits between the two at 85%.
How much does a 2018 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 2018 MG 3
The 2018 MG 3 is a small family car with a 1498cc petrol engine. 4,329 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 83% of 2018 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 36,732 miles at 6 years old, MG 3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 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 2018 MG 3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,732 (£144/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% 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 2018 MG 3
At 6 years old, the MG 3 offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.
Alternatives to the 2018 MG 3
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2016) 81% pass rate (-4%) from 205,128 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2016) 81% pass rate (-4%) from 133,045 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2016) 87% pass rate (+2%) from 109,880 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2017) 86% pass rate (+1%) from 100,176 tests