MG MG3 vs Toyota Starlet
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Toyota Starlet wins on money kept: 72% retained after three years vs 56%, worth about R 45 456 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| MG3 | Starlet | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 269 900 | R 273 700 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 4 717/m | R 4 784/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 75% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 56% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 151 454 | R 196 911 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 118 446 | R 76 789 |
| Value after 5 years | R 112 016 | R 163 062 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Strong mainstream |
MG MG3 →
MG's entry hatch first appeared in SA in 2013 during the CMH era and returned in 2025 in its new generation, priced from R269,900. A self-charging Hybrid+ flagship at R469,900 gives it a powertrain most rivals in this class lack. Resale is unproven and the earlier 2013 to 2016 cars trade cheaply with limited parts backup.
Known for: undercutting swift and starlet on price
Toyota Starlet →
A rebadged Suzuki Baleno that revived the Starlet name in 2020 and immediately became one of SA's best-selling hatchbacks. It undercuts the VW Polo on price while offering Toyota's dealer network and service backing. Light on fuel and cheap to maintain, it has become a default choice for first-time buyers.
Known for: suzuki baleno twin with a toyota badge
Common questions
Which holds value better, the MG MG3 or the Toyota Starlet?
The Toyota Starlet. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 56% for the MG MG3, a gap of 16 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The MG MG3 loses about R 118 446 over three years and the Toyota Starlet loses about R 76 789. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the MG MG3 runs about R 4 717 per month and the Toyota Starlet about R 4 784, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.