Used car guide

2023 MG 3: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2023 MG 3s, from 307 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 307 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

307MOT tests in 2025
85%pass first time (all 2023 cars: 92%)
7,400typical miles a year
13%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2023 MG 3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    13% 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.

  • 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.

  • Brakes
    5% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    2% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Seats and seatbelts
    1% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Looking at an MG 3?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20224,274Tyres 26%
20211,929Tyres 32%
20202,471Tyres 34%
20193,635Tyres 34%
20182,550Tyres 34%
20172,844Tyres 36%
20163,065Suspension 37%
20152,269Suspension 39%
20141,524Suspension 39%
2013135Brakes 41%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2023 MG 3s registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score