Discussion
I bought one. Don't do it.
I downsized from an Audi A4 TDI, because I had changed jobs, and the significantly shorter commute was starting to cause havoc with the DPF. Don't get me wrong I wasn't expecting Audi levels of build etc. I have always been really into MGs, but the car has been very disappointing. Suffice to say I'm currently looking for something else, probably another Audi but a petrol one.
In summary, the following is what I have posted on another (more MG specific) forum...
My 3 is a Style model in Newton Black, with no graphics. Basically a top spec car, aside from not having "leather", which is the 3 Style Lux. I avoided the Lux model because the leather looked cheap and nasty, and the fabric provided more contrast.
I also added Gloss Black and Red interior trim with Red Key, Carpet Mats, iPhone dock, and Spare Wheel Kit.
Modifications to date are minimal. Silvertec Indicator bulbs in the front lamp units and I have painted the dreadful white rear brake drums black.
I bought the car in December 2013, and at present (Sept 14) the car has done roughly 11,200 miles and is currently averaging around 35MPG.
Notes to date...
- Handles good. Chassis very capable and could handle a fair chunk more power.
- Steering is not too light and not over assisted. Ideally I'd like it to be heavier as that is my preference but its pretty decent.
- Insurance premium is dirt cheap.
- Exclusivity. This could be taken either way I guess, but there aren't many on the roads so it does attract attention and people are inquisitive about it.
- Sound quality on stereo system is good.
- Spec is good. DAB, USB and Cruise Control are nice to have.
- Seats are comfortable.
- The engine desperately lacks low down torque. I believe that my Mums 1.2 Fiat 500 would be quicker to around 50 and from then on the 3 would be quicker.
- MG Aftersales is appalling. A failed DRL a month into ownership and took a month, 2 courtesy cars, a Facebook message, 3 emails, and a man from Longbridge to deliver a matching set of lights before it was sorted. Other faults (see below) are intermittent, and either not present on inspection, or untraceable.
- The weatherstrip on the doors does not work as intended. When raining, water passes the weatherstrip, collects on the inside of the door top and runs into the car and continues to drip once opened. This was an issue with all cars on site at my dealer, so I rectified this by adding additional seals to all of the doors on my car.
- The over rev between 1st and 2nd gear change. Never come across this before on another make of car. Rectified myself by duct taping a £1 coin to the back of the clutch pedal.
- Engine emissions warning light has illuminated on several occasions. Usually on cold starts. No faults found.
- Fuel Gauge has stopped working twice. Not illuminating bars and displaying 0 Miles on range.
- Stereo Illumination has stopped working on a handful of occassions. Going off completely (including text display) and then flashing on and off. Stereo also recently tried making a phonecall on its own via Bluetooth despite not being connected to anything. The ability to skip MP3 tracks has also stopped working on a couple of occasions.
- iPhone dock is useless and does not offer a function to charge iPhone. It was quite nice having the phone in such a prominent position, but to use it for satnav or bluetooth streaming you really need to be able to keep the phone charged. Now completely redundant as I dont have an iPhone anymore.
- The use of LHD Mirrors to save cost is not ideal. I am 6" 4 and in my driving position the drivers side mirror does not move outwards far enough. This emphasises an already large blind spot around the C pillar and creates a sense of vulnerability when changing lanes.
- Ride quality is acceptable on short journeys or when having a bit of fun, but quickly becomes tiresome when pounding the motorways.
- Auto wipers are shockingly bad. Will often not wipe enough, wipe too often, or completely stop altogether, waggling the stalk for a few minutes then ensues until they begin to work again.
- Lack of adjustment on the seatbelt at the B Pillar means that in my driving position the belt is not touching me across the chest unless I am wearing a thick coat. Maybe I'm too skinny?!
- Parking sensors don't work in wet weather.
I downsized from an Audi A4 TDI, because I had changed jobs, and the significantly shorter commute was starting to cause havoc with the DPF. Don't get me wrong I wasn't expecting Audi levels of build etc. I have always been really into MGs, but the car has been very disappointing. Suffice to say I'm currently looking for something else, probably another Audi but a petrol one.
In summary, the following is what I have posted on another (more MG specific) forum...
My 3 is a Style model in Newton Black, with no graphics. Basically a top spec car, aside from not having "leather", which is the 3 Style Lux. I avoided the Lux model because the leather looked cheap and nasty, and the fabric provided more contrast.
I also added Gloss Black and Red interior trim with Red Key, Carpet Mats, iPhone dock, and Spare Wheel Kit.
Modifications to date are minimal. Silvertec Indicator bulbs in the front lamp units and I have painted the dreadful white rear brake drums black.
I bought the car in December 2013, and at present (Sept 14) the car has done roughly 11,200 miles and is currently averaging around 35MPG.
Notes to date...
- Handles good. Chassis very capable and could handle a fair chunk more power.
- Steering is not too light and not over assisted. Ideally I'd like it to be heavier as that is my preference but its pretty decent.
- Insurance premium is dirt cheap.
- Exclusivity. This could be taken either way I guess, but there aren't many on the roads so it does attract attention and people are inquisitive about it.
- Sound quality on stereo system is good.
- Spec is good. DAB, USB and Cruise Control are nice to have.
- Seats are comfortable.
- The engine desperately lacks low down torque. I believe that my Mums 1.2 Fiat 500 would be quicker to around 50 and from then on the 3 would be quicker.
- MG Aftersales is appalling. A failed DRL a month into ownership and took a month, 2 courtesy cars, a Facebook message, 3 emails, and a man from Longbridge to deliver a matching set of lights before it was sorted. Other faults (see below) are intermittent, and either not present on inspection, or untraceable.
- The weatherstrip on the doors does not work as intended. When raining, water passes the weatherstrip, collects on the inside of the door top and runs into the car and continues to drip once opened. This was an issue with all cars on site at my dealer, so I rectified this by adding additional seals to all of the doors on my car.
- The over rev between 1st and 2nd gear change. Never come across this before on another make of car. Rectified myself by duct taping a £1 coin to the back of the clutch pedal.
- Engine emissions warning light has illuminated on several occasions. Usually on cold starts. No faults found.
- Fuel Gauge has stopped working twice. Not illuminating bars and displaying 0 Miles on range.
- Stereo Illumination has stopped working on a handful of occassions. Going off completely (including text display) and then flashing on and off. Stereo also recently tried making a phonecall on its own via Bluetooth despite not being connected to anything. The ability to skip MP3 tracks has also stopped working on a couple of occasions.
- iPhone dock is useless and does not offer a function to charge iPhone. It was quite nice having the phone in such a prominent position, but to use it for satnav or bluetooth streaming you really need to be able to keep the phone charged. Now completely redundant as I dont have an iPhone anymore.
- The use of LHD Mirrors to save cost is not ideal. I am 6" 4 and in my driving position the drivers side mirror does not move outwards far enough. This emphasises an already large blind spot around the C pillar and creates a sense of vulnerability when changing lanes.
- Ride quality is acceptable on short journeys or when having a bit of fun, but quickly becomes tiresome when pounding the motorways.
- Auto wipers are shockingly bad. Will often not wipe enough, wipe too often, or completely stop altogether, waggling the stalk for a few minutes then ensues until they begin to work again.
- Lack of adjustment on the seatbelt at the B Pillar means that in my driving position the belt is not touching me across the chest unless I am wearing a thick coat. Maybe I'm too skinny?!
- Parking sensors don't work in wet weather.
Edited by BenRichards89 on Monday 29th September 20:53
vx220 said:
How did the pound coin on the clutch help?
Additional weight?
When changing between 1st and 2nd, on pressing the clutch the revs would jump up on their own. It sounds like your foot is still hard on the throttle when the clutch is pressed, but it wasn't me causing it.Additional weight?
The "fix" came about via another owner. It seems to stop this revving, and has been like that for a while now.
Its on over 17,000 Miles now and inevitable bits of interior trim are starting to rattle. Mainly the cubby on the top of the dash, and the handbrake.
Hope to get rid of it within the next couple of months. Worst car I've owned.
Dolf Stoppard said:
Shane to hear about these as I think they look quite good and would in many ways like them to do well. Interestingly, my local Suzuki dealer has now also started selling MGs. Seems you'd be a brave person to choose a 3 over a Swift!
Why brave? In the flesh the MG3 is bigger than I thought having only previously seen pictures.The little MG3 is selling well locally. Up until twelve months ago, never saw a new MG6 or MG3 locally. Now see one almost daily although they are easily overlooked in the sea of sameness with many modern car designs.
Then the local Peugeot dealership used the end of their row of showrooms for these new MGs and had a small display of them. Seen a few locally including a new silver one a near neighbour has replaced his Rover 45 with. Had a chat with him about his MG3 and he is delighted.
MG has its best monthly sales last March with well over 600 new cars sold ( or registered ) mainly MG3s. Not bad considering how few dealers there are compared to in the past.
Have not driven the MG3 but have driven the MG6. A friend let me drive his high spec. one for a few miles. Quite nice. A more modern gizmo loaded version of my MG ZT 1.8 turbo daily driver. Apparently, the redesigned 1.8 engine inside the MG6 is a strengthened version of the good old they all do that K-Series 1.8. In the four or five years the Chinese MG6 with their version of the 1.8 K-Series I have yet to hear of any engine issues.
Give or take a few small differences, bit like looking at the engine in my MG ZT 1.8t. Here's my friend's MG6 engine with the acoustic(?) engine cover removed to one side.
Here's the engine in the MG3. Completely different. I believe its camshaft is chain driven.
There is a new/facelifted MG6 out now or soon. Maybe only the diesel one.. not sure. Have spoken to two local MG6 owners and both are very happy with their cars. A year ago I never saw any new MGs locally. Now a daily event.
Ive had one for just over a year now (15000 miles) and it has been fantastic.
Not a single creak or rattle and performance from the little 1.5 engine has grown stronger.
Its a hoot to drive, handling and darting about (as said in the review posted above) like mad - but also surprisingly comfortable on long journeys.
It sounds as though the poster above has had a torrid time with his but my own experience has been quite the opposite. We are also discussing the possibility of buying a new MG6 now as we have been so impressed.
Not a single creak or rattle and performance from the little 1.5 engine has grown stronger.
Its a hoot to drive, handling and darting about (as said in the review posted above) like mad - but also surprisingly comfortable on long journeys.
It sounds as though the poster above has had a torrid time with his but my own experience has been quite the opposite. We are also discussing the possibility of buying a new MG6 now as we have been so impressed.
pblake said:
After reading lots of reviews some good some bad, went and test drove the MG3 last weekend.
I found it great fun to drive and quite nippy.
Placed more order this week so will keep you updated when it arrives.
Look forward to updates. My neighbours are pleased with theirs. I found it great fun to drive and quite nippy.
Placed more order this week so will keep you updated when it arrives.
Had a drive in a friend's DIESEL MG6 Magnette this weekend. I was more impressed with it than I expected to be. Not a diesel fan but the owner tells me he genuinely gets 48-60 MPG subject to type of journey with the car. The Magnette being the booted version of the MG6.
That's two modern ordinary production Diesels I've tried recently, the other a Peugeot. They've come on a lot .... still nice to get back into my old Petrol Turbos though ...
pblake said:
After reading lots of reviews some good some bad, went and test drove the MG3 last weekend.
I found it great fun to drive and quite nippy.
Placed more order this week so will keep you updated when it arrives.
Excellent, glad you enjoyed it. Put up some pics when you get it.I found it great fun to drive and quite nippy.
Placed more order this week so will keep you updated when it arrives.
Update
I picked up the car yesterday and first thoughts are as follows.
Build quality - very good no rattles or squeaks.
Looks - great I think it looks modern and sporty.
Drive - Ok the truth its a bit flat, the demo car had a bit more get up and go so hopefully this will get better. I am comming from a totaly different drive as I part exed my Twingo RS 133 which was very nippy but ran out of top end unless you worked it hard. My other car is a TVR which has so much low down torque that you don't have to work to make progress.
Handling - this seems ok in the 40 miles I have done not to hard a ride but enough body control to make it fun.
As PH seems to be stopping me uploading a photo here's a link
https://www.dropbox.com/s/jc0097zummaurgf/DSC_0055...
I picked up the car yesterday and first thoughts are as follows.
Build quality - very good no rattles or squeaks.
Looks - great I think it looks modern and sporty.
Drive - Ok the truth its a bit flat, the demo car had a bit more get up and go so hopefully this will get better. I am comming from a totaly different drive as I part exed my Twingo RS 133 which was very nippy but ran out of top end unless you worked it hard. My other car is a TVR which has so much low down torque that you don't have to work to make progress.
Handling - this seems ok in the 40 miles I have done not to hard a ride but enough body control to make it fun.
As PH seems to be stopping me uploading a photo here's a link
https://www.dropbox.com/s/jc0097zummaurgf/DSC_0055...
300 miles in.
I have now put some miles on the car over the weekend and all is going well.
The engine is getting better and I am getting used to the gearing, if you keep it above 2200 rpm its fine below that you need to change down to make progress.
The car is quiet and comfortable easy to drive and the steering is great. On back roads its fun and flows great round the corners without any fuss or too much body roll. On motorways it cruises at 70 with no issues and has enough to perform overtaking if you get caught out by middle lane drivers. If you drop below 50 you will need to change down to perform a safe overtake.
So far the mpg avg show 41 so that's not bad considering all the exploring I have been doing on how to get the most out of it.
One thing I have noticed is the throttle is very light and if you do not take your foot right off the pedal when changing gears it will hold the revs up.
I have now put some miles on the car over the weekend and all is going well.
The engine is getting better and I am getting used to the gearing, if you keep it above 2200 rpm its fine below that you need to change down to make progress.
The car is quiet and comfortable easy to drive and the steering is great. On back roads its fun and flows great round the corners without any fuss or too much body roll. On motorways it cruises at 70 with no issues and has enough to perform overtaking if you get caught out by middle lane drivers. If you drop below 50 you will need to change down to perform a safe overtake.
So far the mpg avg show 41 so that's not bad considering all the exploring I have been doing on how to get the most out of it.
One thing I have noticed is the throttle is very light and if you do not take your foot right off the pedal when changing gears it will hold the revs up.
Up until about eighteen months ago, never saw a new MG locally. That's changed now. Excluding those of friends, rarely see any MG6s and they are now outnumbered by a ratio of about 10-1 by the smaller MG3. This model appears to be selling well locally apparently. Even a near neighbour has one. There's a good range of colours seen too.
My uncle has had his MG6 for a few years now and has been very pleased with it overall.
I detailed it for him last weekend:
I think his only gripe is the economy, averaging 35mpg after 30k miles. He's considering trading in for a facelift diesel. But overall has been happy with the car.
I must admit I really like the MG3. I think when I trade in my Mini I'll be looking for something cheaper. I was considering trying a Dacia, but for the same money I could get an MG3 Style which is much better looking and equipped.
Time will tell..
I detailed it for him last weekend:
I think his only gripe is the economy, averaging 35mpg after 30k miles. He's considering trading in for a facelift diesel. But overall has been happy with the car.
I must admit I really like the MG3. I think when I trade in my Mini I'll be looking for something cheaper. I was considering trying a Dacia, but for the same money I could get an MG3 Style which is much better looking and equipped.
Time will tell..
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