About the MG MG3 AUTO
Peter K purchased this MG MG3 AUTO used for $15,500 (including all on-road costs) in 2021. Peter K wouldn’t buy this car again because: “I liken the MG to a car purchased off wish. It’s a car sure, but it’s just not quite right. It’s good from a far but far from good. All jokes aside, you obviously get what you pay for in this life. The MG is a cheap car to get you from A to B, it nails that brief.
This MG is our family’s second car and I loath each time I have to drive it. I feel sorry for the poor soul who buys this car from me next, I’m guessing it will be a first car for someone who just got their Ps. I hope this first experience of a car for them doesn’t ruin the joy of driving aspect I remember so fondly all those years ago when I first started driving.”
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
In the year of ownership there has been no major faults to the car. The cheap, hard tyres have shown no tread wear during its 15,000kms of city driving.
The car’s dash hasn’t lit up like a Christmas tree either, however in the event of catastrophic engine failure I doubt that the “check engine” light would even work to notify me so.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
Other than my own feelings of disappointment each time I get behind the wheel. Questioning why on earth did we purchase this vehicle… It’s serving its purpose for the time being.
So as long as it keeps working without any issues it will remain the second car.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
Price was spot on amidst the secondhand car market COVID tax inflation bubble shenanigans. Honestly, cars really do just get you from point A to point B, but there’s a limit to that statement.
There’s a reason we have so many price points on cars that all do the same thing. This car sits in the budget level for good reason. The overall quality and feeling offers no enjoyment for the driver.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
Let’s get one thing clear, this car may look like a new design with its nice shiny daytime running lights and trendy interior, but its engine feels like it was pulled out of a car from the 80s. It’s unrefined in every way. It reminds me of an old Ducati motorbike I owned back in my early 20’s. The thing would idle so hard you had to tighten the bolts every couple of months.
The little car does a similar thing but without the smooth power delivery. The car consistently performs at 8.0L/100km and it doesn’t matter how you drive it. Our main car (Mazda CX-5) returns better fuel economy and I’m sure it weighs over 500kg more than the MG
The engine sounds like a tractor and to safely keep up with the flow of traffic you have to work it hard. In return its fuel consumption is higher than ideal (roughly 8.0-9.0L/100km).
What do you think of the technology in your car?
To start the car, I put the key in the ignition and turn it. I’m guessing some of you folk may not even understand that sentence there as I didn’t mention anything about a proximity key or a start button.
Apple CarPlay works well although on several occasions when going over some bumpy roads the display often cuts out and turns back on.
Android Auto is non-existent which is an odd thing to leave out. The stereo is less than adequate and sounds like it all comes from one speaker. Tinny and bass less. Crank up the volume and you can still hear the tractor engine pulling through the gears.
However I did mention apple CarPlay before and this feature is the little nugget’s saving grace. It’s what pulls the whole car into the 21st century and makes it accessible to the masses.
Without it, the lack of all other modern tech would be highlighted and deter people from considering it.
I was surprised to see the addition of a reversing camera however I think they sourced it from the ’80s too as the resolution and angle has you squinting at the screen, where you get to play a fun game and try to make out what you’re looking at.
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
The steering seems to has me question whether or not I’m command of a small truck. It doesn’t matter what speed you’re travelling the steering always feels like it was never made for this car. The steering is far too heavy for a city car, often making the car seem to move around like a boat and slow to respond to inputs.
If I was to say something nice about the little MG I would argue its suspension is adequate, however my overall lack of faith in the cars build quality means I make sure to avoid any small pot holes.
The seat material (glossy and slippery) and design (lack of lateral support) both add a level of butt flexing I’d rather not have to employ to keep me in the middle of the seat.