CarCostCheck

MG 3 (2021)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,100 real MOT tests in 2024.

MOT Pass Rate

92%

Total Tests (2024)

1,100

Avg Mileage

19,633 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£1,582

Is the 2021 MG 3 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MG brand average of 86%.

At 3 years old, 92% of MG 3s from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,100 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 19,633 miles.

How does the 2021 MG 3 compare?

Rank among all 2021 cars1898th out of 3,373(top 56%)
Rank among all MG models49th out of 155(top 32%)
vs national average+10% (82% avg)
vs 2021 cars average+0% (92% avg)
vs MG average+6% (86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2021 MG 3 has 19,633 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

How much does a 2021 MG 3 cost to run?

Fuel (Petrol, 1498cc)
£1,137
🏛️Road Tax
£190
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs
£200
Total per year£1,582
Per month£132/mo

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

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202291%14119,942 mi
202192%1,10019,633 mi
202090%2,86924,046 mi
201988%6,11729,253 mi
201885%4,32936,732 mi
201780%5,13543,780 mi
201682%5,21848,631 mi
201579%4,07553,548 mi
201479%2,69857,573 mi
201386%20060,551 mi

Checking a specific MG 3?

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About the 2021 MG 3

The 2021 MG 3 is a small family car with a 1498cc petrol engine. 1,100 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 19,633 miles at 3 years old, MG 3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2021 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 2021 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 92% 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 2021 MG 3

At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet.

Alternatives to the 2021 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: