MG 3 (2020)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 2,869 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Total Tests (2024)
2,869
Avg Mileage
24,046 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,582
Is the 2020 MG 3 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MG brand average of 86%.
At 4 years old, 90% of MG 3s from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 2,869 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 24,046 miles.
How does the 2020 MG 3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2020 MG 3 has 24,046 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-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 2020 sits between the two at 90%.
How much does a 2020 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 2020 MG 3
The 2020 MG 3 is a small family car with a 1498cc petrol engine. 2,869 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 24,046 miles at 4 years old, MG 3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2020 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 2020 MG 3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,582 (£132/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2020 MG 3
At 4 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 2020 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 (2018) 90% pass rate (same) from 157,746 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2019) 92% pass rate (+2%) from 89,653 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2018) 85% pass rate (-5%) from 86,266 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2018) 87% pass rate (-3%) from 78,522 tests