MG 3 (2017)
2017 MG 3
CarHunch analysed 2,901 real MOT records for the 2017 MG 3. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2017 MG 3 passes its MOT slightly above the UK average at 83.8%, which is a modest positive—but the 33.5% rate of dangerous defects is a serious red flag for a car of this age and mileage. That's significantly higher than typical and suggests structural, brake, or lighting issues are common enough to warrant caution.
With a median mileage of just 32,103 miles, these cars are lightly used for their age, yet they're still accumulating nearly 9 advisories per vehicle on average and 1.36 failures. Before buying, have a pre-purchase inspection focus specifically on suspension, brakes, and undercarriage condition—the dangerous defect rate tells you preventative checks now could save costly repairs later.
What to check before buying a 2017 MG 3
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 33.5% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a MG 3
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 2017 MG 3 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2017 MG 3 vehicles fall between 21,947 and 43,171 miles.
2017 MG 3 — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 2,713 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 97% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2020–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2017 MG 3
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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39.7%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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38.7%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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33.5%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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26.4%
Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
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25.3%
Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
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22.8%
Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
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20.2%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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19.8%
Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2017. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific MG 3?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.