has anyone had any dealings with these?

looking for a change.

and been offered one of these at a good price

 

The wife had one a few years ago and despite their bad reputation they're not all bad. Generally quite reliable although it's worth checking whether the head gasket has been replaced as these are notorious for going wrong.

Handling is alright but not going to set the world alight due to bad scuttle shake but they can still be hussled along although you need to get the hydragas checked and pumped up regularly. The VVC is probably the best bit on the car being quite revvy and you can make it sing - try it and see for yourself.

If the price is right you could easily sell it on this time of year for a profit.

 

cheers mate

lot to think about.

ive got a sport at the minute on a p 96, he has offered to do a straight swap. so i think its quite a good deal.

 

Head gasket is there real weak point.... if it hasn't been done it will need to be done soon!

Head gasket failure leads to terminal damage very quickly if overheating occurs! Even showed up on BBC's Watchdog program!

Just do a search on the rover VVC engine and I'm sure you'll get the idea!
I believe it was something to do with the head gasket being metalic and not supporting the expansion and contraction of the engine during it's heating and cooling cycle.

Apart from that there are some stories of water leaks/air leaks due too poor seals.


personally I would go for an Mazda MX5 way before I looked at the MG!

Plums.

 

nail if ya ask me..horrid..stear clear

 

I had through a company car scheme the 500th MGf off the production line - contract hire over a 36 month period - sent the car back after 18 months due to EXCESSIVE problems:

1. Windows that close 1/2 inch higher that they should.
2. Door handles that broke.
3. Poor finish on paintwork (BRG).
4. Oil seal leaks onto exhaust.
5. Water entering via window seals.
6. Rear window replaced after 6 months - zip broke.
7. Stereo did not work.
8. Alarm did not work.

Totally unacceptable vehicle.


Such a shame, because they are great looking car, but I was so disappointed.

Richard

 

I think I had the 145th one off the production line.
This was nearly 8 years ago, which is a LONG time in car terms!! So I expect the engineering of the product to have improved since then.....

1) Yes, the frameless windows (a la subaru) were an issue. They had plastic stops in the door frame, which often broke, hence the windows went up too far. Assume this was fixed in later models.

2) Never had any door handle issues.

3) Paintwork chipped easily, but no different from Subaru paintwork. Let's not get this out of proportion - it was tiny stonechips.

4) Didn't have oil seal leaks onto exhaust

5) Water entering via window seals - maybe a bit, but more related to mis-adjustment of windows (see (1) above). It was a dribble if anything....hardly going to cause oxidation of door.

6) My rear window zip broke IIRC, but was repaired under warranty. Stopped unzipping the rear window after that point, as really no need to....

7) Stereo worked fine.

8) Alarm worked fine.

Just like any car, has a few problems. Some examples are worse than others.

If I was buying 2nd hand, I think I'd also opt for a MX5. Seems a bit simpler mechanically.

 

VVC Engine - 'very very complicated' valve timing.
Drives and sounds very well but make sure the belts have been changed on time (miles/age) by an MG Rover dealer who knows what they are doing.

 

Buy an S2000 more of a proper roadster!

 

and twice the price

 

is the head gasket a major issue on these cars? it dosent seem to have been done. but it has a fsh, recent service at 60k. its done 67k in total.

 

AH HA! Depends on what price Jm4's been offered the MGF at though Tim ;-)

 

My advice.... If the head gasket hasn't been done stay away! If it has then when and who did the work and is it covered by a warranty?

If it hasn't you could of course you use this as bargaining power on the price and change the gasket asap!

If you really have set your mind on buying it at least get the car checked out by the AA/RAC if the owner doesn't want to have the car checked out walk away (fast) as this will almost certainly mean there's something a little iffy about the car!

It may be a bargain now but when (not if!) the gasket goes it won't be!

Plums.

 

My father has a 75th Anniversary edition for sale
It has only covered 14,750 miles & is mint in every way !
He has a dodgy Knee & cant drive it anymore
ALSO HE HAS HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT AT ALL & HE HAS OWNED IT SINCE NEW !

 

j4mou,
Better post a similar question over on MGF General here:

http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/ge...list&subject=2

or, MGF Technical here:

http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/ge...ist&subject=69

Whilst on the site, check the archives for MGF VVC related stuff - tons of info there but remember, like any Car web site, you tend to hear more of the problem cars than those without and this creates a false impression for those not in the know.....