The best second-hand alternatives to an MG3

If you’re after a great-value small hybrid car, the MG3 is one of the best out there. It’s much quicker than you’d expect, really well-equipped and it starts from less than £20,000, almost £3,500 less than a Toyota Yaris.

The MG3 may be a great car, but if you take a look at the second-hand options out there then you can find some proper bargains for this sort of money. We took to the classified with a budget of £20,000, the price of a top-spec MG3 after Carwow discounts, and these are seven of the best cars we found.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

1. Audi A1
2. Volkswagen Golf
3. Ford Fiesta ST
4. Tesla Model 3
5. Mini 3-Door Hatch
6. Skoda Fabia
7. Kia Stinger GT S

1. Audi A1

We’re starting off strong with the Audi A1, which is a posh-feeling small car which looks really smart and is comfortable to drive. It also comes with a great choice of petrol engines, although it’s a shame that there are no diesel or hybrid options.

For less than £20,000 we found a handful of low-mileage A1s from 2022 in sporty-looking S Line trim. Try and find one with the 1.5-litre petrol engine if possible, because it’s got plenty of power without sacrificing fuel economy.

2. Volkswagen Golf

The MG3 isn’t the most practical car thanks to its tight rear seats, however this isn’t a criticism you can level at the Volkswagen Golf. It’s a larger car than the MG, and you get acres of interior space. It’s just a shame that the infotainment system is a bit fiddly.

We found a 2022 Volkswagen Golf with under 30,000 miles on the clock for less than £20,000, and it’s the racy-looking R-Line version with the same excellent 1.5-litre engine as the A1 above.

3. Ford Fiesta ST

If you’re after hot hatch thrills, the Ford Fiesta ST is one of the best options out there. It may not be as comfortable to drive as an MG3, but it’ll put a huge smile on your face when you’re blasting down a country road.

For £20,000 you’re spoiled for choice. A low-mileage 2022 example will prove simple to find, just make sure to do a vehicle history check to make sure it’s not been in a crash, because these cars are usually driven pretty hard.

4. Tesla Model 3

Maybe you’re ready to make the switch to an electric car? Well for £20,000 you can buy one of the best. The Tesla Model 3 is packed with tech, comfortable to drive and it’s easy to charge on the go thanks to the excellent Supercharger network. Just make sure you get on with the button-free layout before taking the plunge.

We found a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range with 37,200 miles on the clock for just over £19,800, and this one will do an impressive 374 miles on a charge.

5. Mini 3-Door hatch

Few small cars are as iconic as the Mini. The cheeky styling is instantly recognisable, and the interior is really cool as well. It’s almost as fun to drive as the Fiesta ST on a twisty road, although that does mean it’s quite firm over bumps.

For our £20,000 budget there are loads of 2022 Mini Hatchbacks on offer, most of which are in sporty Cooper S trim with the more powerful 2.0-litre engine. This is the one to go for if you’re after maximum fun, although the 1.5-litre petrol is nippy enough and more fuel-efficient.

6. Skoda Fabia

Putting our sensible hats on for a moment, the Skoda Fabia is one of the most practical small cars you can buy. It has a big boot and loads of rear seat space, and it’s a comfortable car to drive as well. Just avoid the least powerful 1.0-litre engine though as it’s a bit gutless.

You get a lot of Fabia for £20,000. We found a nearly-new example with just 6,000 miles on the clock, and it’s the Design Edition which means it gets nicer alloy wheels and contrasting black mirrors.

7. Kia Stinger GT S

As a bit of a wildcard, why not check out the Kia Stinger GT S? It’s about as far-removed from the MG3 as you can get, being a massive four-door fastback with a powerful 3.3-litre V6 engine. It looks stunning, and it’s great fun to drive, just don’t expect much more than 30mpg.

We found a 2018 Kia Stinger GT S with 59,000 miles on the clock within budget. Granted, it’s not one you’re likely to buy over the small and sensible MG3, but it’s an interesting option nonetheless.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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