2016 MG 3 1.5L Petrol · CF16 LGD

A near-immaculate MOT record defines this 2016 MG 3, with three consecutive passes from 2023 through 2025 and a further pass recorded on 15 January 2026, the only blemish being an unexplained failure one week earlier on 8 January 2026 that logged no defects at all. Such a no-defect failure strongly suggests an administrative or tester procedural issue, perhaps a rebook after a minor rectification, rather than any underlying mechanical or structural concern, and the immediate subsequent clean pass confirms the vehicle left the test station in fully roadworthy condition. Across four completed tests there is not a single advisory recorded for braking components, suspension, steering, exhaust integrity, tyres, or corrosion, which is an uncommon level of cleanliness for a ten year old supermini carrying six figure mileage. The overall trend is therefore one of stable and consistently good roadworthiness with no evidence of deterioration between annual examinations. Mileage accumulation on this MG 3 is broadly typical for its age, averaging around 10,800 miles per year over a ten year lifespan, and there are no extended gaps in the testing history that would suggest the car has been laid up or used only intermittently. The MOT record shows a test every January from 2023 through 2026, indicating regular use throughout the colder months when salt exposure and damp conditions are at their worst, yet no corrosion-related advisories have emerged on structural items, subframes, or brake components. The lack of any mileage progression notes in the record makes it impossible to confirm exact annual increments, but the absence of advisories for wear-prone consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, or suspension components suggests these items are being replaced or maintained before reaching MOT failure thresholds. There is nothing in the usage profile to raise concerns about fatigue on the engine, manual transmission, or clutch assembly beyond what would be expected for the mileage recorded. For a prospective buyer, the most important task on inspection is to verify that the current condition still matches the clean paper trail, particularly because no advisories have been issued to flag wear margins on key items. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, paying particular attention to the anti-roll bar drop links and lower wishbone bushes, as these are common wear points on a car of this age and mileage but have not been recorded in any test. Check for any pulling under braking or a spongy pedal feel, as the brake discs and pads have not been flagged for renewal on record and therefore may be approaching the end of their service life. Inspect all visible structural areas including front subframe, inner wings, suspension turrets, and rear axle mounting points for any surface corrosion or underseal deterioration, especially around the offside and nearside jacking points, because although the record is clean, ten years of winter road use can initiate corrosion that has not yet reached MOT-reportable levels. Finally, conduct a thorough under bonnet inspection, checking the cam cover, oil filter housing, and sump area for any signs of oil misting or active leaks, as these engines are known to seep oil at higher mileages even when no emissions failures are recorded. With the vehicle raised or on a ramp if possible, examine the exhaust system hangers and mounting rubbers for perishing, and look at the condition of the fuel and brake pipework along the underbody for any signs of corrosion or chafing, given that none of these items have been highlighted in recent tests. Verify the operation of all exterior lighting, the rear fog lamp, and the washer jet performance, as these are common MOT failure points not reflected in the current record. Given the consistently clean test history, a satisfactory physical inspection and a pre-purchase road test should give a buyer reasonable confidence that this MG 3 remains a mechanically sound and honest small car.