Used car guide

2017 MG 3: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2017 MG 3s, from 2,844 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

2,844MOT tests in 2025
70%pass first time (all 2017 cars: 78%)
5,700typical miles a year
19×the usual rate for sub-frame

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2017 MG 3s than on all cars registered in 2017.

  • Sub-frame19× usual
    MG 3
    7.6% All 2017 cars
    0.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

  • Rigid brake pipes6.2× usual
    MG 3
    8.1% All 2017 cars
    1.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.2% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints2.3× usual
    MG 3
    10.8% All 2017 cars
    4.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.9% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

  • Suspension arm18.7× usual
    MG 3
    5.6% All 2017 cars
    0.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

  • Coil springs2.6× usual
    MG 3
    7.5% All 2017 cars
    2.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 2% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

By area

The share of 2017 MG 3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    36% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    32% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    28% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    12% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    10% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    4% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Looking at a MG 3?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20224,274Tyres 26%
20211,929Tyres 32%
20202,471Tyres 34%
20193,635Tyres 34%
20182,550Tyres 34%
20163,065Suspension 37%
20152,269Suspension 39%
20141,524Suspension 39%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2017 MG 3s registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score