MGF - Any experiances folks??
28 March 2007, 12:57 PM
#1
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: WALES
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
MGF - Any experiances folks??
I might be picking one up on Saturday (R reg) with a Cream leather interior?
Anyone had similar?
Anything I should look out for before handing over the cash???
Cheers.
JP
Anyone had similar?
Anything I should look out for before handing over the cash???
Cheers.
JP
28 March 2007, 01:23 PM
#5
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: South Wales, Scoobless, Type R is gone!
Posts: 3,618
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Had a 25th Anniversary Edition before my scoob:
Handling/grip in the wet isn't very good to say the least, typical rover build quality.
Couldn't wait to get rid of it after about the first month.
Think the engine has to come out to do the timing belt aswell
Handling/grip in the wet isn't very good to say the least, typical rover build quality.
Couldn't wait to get rid of it after about the first month.
Think the engine has to come out to do the timing belt aswell
28 March 2007, 01:23 PM
#6
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: WALES
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oooh, like that is it gents..... 
A modern gentleman.... that's certainly not me.....
But I do like the idea of a straight jacket!
Better look for some other 2 seater convertible for the summer then... didnt fancy the MX5 or Alfa.... any other ideas around the £4k mark???
A modern gentleman.... that's certainly not me.....
But I do like the idea of a straight jacket!
Better look for some other 2 seater convertible for the summer then... didnt fancy the MX5 or Alfa.... any other ideas around the £4k mark???
28 March 2007, 01:32 PM
#7
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Gone Away
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oooh, like that is it gents.....
A modern gentleman.... that's certainly not me.....
But I do like the idea of a straight jacket!
Better look for some other 2 seater convertible for the summer then... didnt fancy the MX5 or Alfa.... any other ideas around the £4k mark???
A modern gentleman.... that's certainly not me.....
But I do like the idea of a straight jacket!
Better look for some other 2 seater convertible for the summer then... didnt fancy the MX5 or Alfa.... any other ideas around the £4k mark???
see my view my scooby section
Trending Topics
28 March 2007, 02:03 PM
#8
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Surferk
Posts: 2,464
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Make sure you check the water level every week. A lot of cars have had the head gasket go because the water level dropped too low. Keep it well maintained and it will be fine.
28 March 2007, 02:09 PM
#10
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: In a house with windows and doors
Posts: 680
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ive seen head gaskets go on theses at 8000 miles and cars with 50000 on their 3rd or 4th
My mum had a 52 plate and sold it after 4 months after replacing the head gasket for the second time under warranty she only did about 2000 miles in it and shes in her fifties with a very light right foot so imho a very weak car.
But it is rover after all.
My mum had a 52 plate and sold it after 4 months after replacing the head gasket for the second time under warranty she only did about 2000 miles in it and shes in her fifties with a very light right foot so imho a very weak car.
But it is rover after all.
Last edited by jaydut; 28 March 2007 at 02:14 PM.
28 March 2007, 02:15 PM
#11
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 523
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wife had 2 (one a 1997 the other 2000) and did about 90k combined in both. Never had any problems (the original N plates had leaky roofs but then so did early 206CCs) and was actually quite good, if you drove it hard it would handle OK (seemed to prefer being aggressive with it) whereas if you were soft it did understeer far too easily and especially in the wet. If you modify your style and are prepared to work you can get overstearry handling, a really good pair of front tyres helps !!
As with a lot of cars a lot of people have thoughts/comments without actually owning one. Assuming you are getting it cheap due to the Rover thing and are aware of the potential head gasket failure then why the hell not - every car has a weak point or two and providing you know about it and budget for it so what.
The wife drove hers quite hard (as did I) which might help the reliability, too many were pampered and not used enough. The head gaskets I think were down to lack of cooling ??
As with a lot of cars a lot of people have thoughts/comments without actually owning one. Assuming you are getting it cheap due to the Rover thing and are aware of the potential head gasket failure then why the hell not - every car has a weak point or two and providing you know about it and budget for it so what.
The wife drove hers quite hard (as did I) which might help the reliability, too many were pampered and not used enough. The head gaskets I think were down to lack of cooling ??
28 March 2007, 02:19 PM
#12
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: WALES
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wife had 2 (one a 1997 the other 2000) and did about 90k combined in both. Never had any problems (the original N plates had leaky roofs but then so did early 206CCs) and was actually quite good, if you drove it hard it would handle OK (seemed to prefer being aggressive with it) whereas if you were soft it did understeer far too easily and especially in the wet. If you modify your style and are prepared to work you can get overstearry handling, a really good pair of front tyres helps !!
As with a lot of cars a lot of people have thoughts/comments without actually owning one. Assuming you are getting it cheap due to the Rover thing and are aware of the potential head gasket failure then why the hell not - every car has a weak point or two and providing you know about it and budget for it so what.
The wife drove hers quite hard (as did I) which might help the reliability, too many were pampered and not used enough. The head gaskets I think were down to lack of cooling ??
As with a lot of cars a lot of people have thoughts/comments without actually owning one. Assuming you are getting it cheap due to the Rover thing and are aware of the potential head gasket failure then why the hell not - every car has a weak point or two and providing you know about it and budget for it so what.
The wife drove hers quite hard (as did I) which might help the reliability, too many were pampered and not used enough. The head gaskets I think were down to lack of cooling ??
What the hell, if it breaks, i'll get it fixed.. when I can get out of my straight jacket!!
Cheers folks.... I'll let you know how I get on!
28 March 2007, 02:49 PM
#16
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 853
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
as said previously head gasket they can let go for little or no reason and if not replaced properly or without decent parts will almost certanly go again but that said some fun can be had with them when they work!
28 March 2007, 03:06 PM
#18
BANNED
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Coming soon, Infractme!
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A TF is better. I wouldn't have an MGF even if it was free, wouldn't waste the running costs or my time on one.
Has the person thinking of buying it actually sat in one? It feels like you are sat on a platform inside the bloody thing. Has the least 'sporting' driving position of any car I've ever driven including a Vectra.
They are complete and utter garbage not to mention they wear that 'loser' badge..............
Has the person thinking of buying it actually sat in one? It feels like you are sat on a platform inside the bloody thing. Has the least 'sporting' driving position of any car I've ever driven including a Vectra.
They are complete and utter garbage not to mention they wear that 'loser' badge..............
28 March 2007, 03:13 PM
#20
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: WALES
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A TF is better. I wouldn't have an MGF even if it was free, wouldn't waste the running costs or my time on one.
Has the person thinking of buying it actually sat in one? It feels like you are sat on a platform inside the bloody thing. Has the least 'sporting' driving position of any car I've ever driven including a Vectra.
They are complete and utter garbage not to mention they wear that 'loser' badge..............
Has the person thinking of buying it actually sat in one? It feels like you are sat on a platform inside the bloody thing. Has the least 'sporting' driving position of any car I've ever driven including a Vectra.
They are complete and utter garbage not to mention they wear that 'loser' badge..............
28 March 2007, 03:18 PM
#21
Scooby Regular
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Infractions - Scoobynet's version of the "scamera" van
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
28 March 2007, 03:43 PM
#22
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bridgnorth with the Steam trains
Posts: 695
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Absolute rubbish,girlfriend had one for 4 years 3 headgaskets,new head, roof leaked,even the brand new one we fitted,handling is awful BUT brilliant on petrol.If it's cheap and your'e willing to pay WHEN the head goes.
Go for it.
She swopped it for a 2.8 Z3 BMW totally differant class of car.
Go for it.
She swopped it for a 2.8 Z3 BMW totally differant class of car.
28 March 2007, 03:55 PM
#25
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 581
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jonnip, I looked / researched a long time on mgf's, as I wanted to buy my g/f one for a present. Despite the general hate for Rovers, IVe had a couple of 220, a 220 turbo and a 220gsi, as I liked them and am not bad with the spanners.
However, the mgf is a pile of **** ! No so much how it looks, but the chances of engine issues are nearly 100%. £3K isnt a lot of money, and yes the car looks a lot for the cash, and summers coming, roof down etc etc, but these things are so iffy. This coming from a person that likes Rover !!!!
If you have to have one, go for the later models, the TF's as these had cooling mods etc etc.
However, if me, I would try a different make / car, as although you say you will take a gamble, believe me, when the HG goes, its a right pain in the 4rse and always ends up costing ££££
If not, and you want one, then there are plenty about, try and get one thats owned by an enthusiast (sp) and take a look at the below sites for areas to check.
The MGF Gallery
Rovertech.net :: Index
MG-Rover.org Forums - Powered by vBulletin
parts :- Best of British Rover Spares
Best of luck.
SBK
However, the mgf is a pile of **** ! No so much how it looks, but the chances of engine issues are nearly 100%. £3K isnt a lot of money, and yes the car looks a lot for the cash, and summers coming, roof down etc etc, but these things are so iffy. This coming from a person that likes Rover !!!!
If you have to have one, go for the later models, the TF's as these had cooling mods etc etc.
However, if me, I would try a different make / car, as although you say you will take a gamble, believe me, when the HG goes, its a right pain in the 4rse and always ends up costing ££££
If not, and you want one, then there are plenty about, try and get one thats owned by an enthusiast (sp) and take a look at the below sites for areas to check.
The MGF Gallery
Rovertech.net :: Index
MG-Rover.org Forums - Powered by vBulletin
parts :- Best of British Rover Spares
Best of luck.
SBK
28 March 2007, 03:56 PM
#26
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Get an AA warranty for about 80 quid (I think) and they'll cover up to £500 of a head gasket bill (normally around 6-700, at least on Elises it is, so I've read).
You'd be better off with an MX-5 or MkIII MR-2 though IMHO.
You'd be better off with an MX-5 or MkIII MR-2 though IMHO.
28 March 2007, 04:10 PM
#28
My sister had one, head gasket went and steering rack. In the time she owned it it spent a good half of that at the dealers. She loved it but was forced to sell it as she actually needed a car that would get her to work.
