mg

[Lakitu]

I'm considering buying an MGF or MG TF, before I do, does anyone own / used to own either of these cars and experienced any major problems with it?

If it does need repairs done to it, are the parts any more expensive than average car?

Thanks

[Dr Wu]

I'm no expert but I seem to recall that the cylinder head gaskets tend to go on those engines. Using the correct coolant is important and there may be a mod for the cylinder head to look out for which rectifies (or at least minimises) the problem.

Here's a lot more info: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm ?md=550&

[ChuckFickens]

they aren't too bad considering they are made by rover, but pre 2000 ones had a several build quality problems, pre 2003 ones had cooling problems resulting in the head gasket issue.

if you really want realiable though get a mazda mx5 not an MGF

[chas2008]

there have been supply problems on parts in particular panels...some vehicles have been written off which would normally have been repaired because of panels being unobtainable..

[De-Niro]

I know this may not affect you, however the car is very light and when previously travelling as say 90 down the motorway, with a bit of wind, the car can be all over the place. May need to keep your wits about you. Or alternativel just stick to the speed limit

[Lakitu]

Thank you for your input.

The cars I've been looking at are 2003 or older so hopefully the cooling/gasket problem has been rectified.

I am guilty of exceeding the speed limit to about 90mph on Motorways.

Hmmm....not sure about the MX5, it's a bit....popular for want of a better word?

What I want is something small, sporty, convertible, not something everyother person has and around the �5k mark

[ChuckFickens]

ok couple more suggestions then

Toyota MR-2 (new shape)
Honda S2000 (may be pushing it for your budget though)

[Lakitu]

Mmmmm, just had a look in Auto Trader and that is lovely!!

However, the nearest one to me for sale is 100 miles away and is V reg and �5k, isn't that a little expensive for an 8 year old car?

[ChuckFickens]

ok I'll stalk back here then :)

there are lots of factors that effect the resale value of second hand cars, some of these are just perceived reasons (image) and some of them are genuine reasons (reliability)

in this case the MGF's have a image of being a bit of a girlie car with a record of somewhat dubious reliability whereas the MR2 has an image of being more of a "proper" little mid engined sports car with Toyota's rock solid record of reliability attached to it.

I personally would rather have a 2000/1 model toyota then a 2003/4 rover any day and be safe in the knowledge that it better built and probably just won't go wrong.

My last car was a rover 216 coupe which was a rover with honda running parts... I found that the rover bits (trim, switches etc) wasn't great but the honda parts (engine, gearbox etc) never missed a beat.

With a bit of shopping about you could probably find a MR2 closer to you for less money or newer being sold privately

OK of to find your next answer to jump on the thread :)

[Lakitu]

As I ponder your advice, I was last spotted telling CBers who I would want to look like.... :)

[LAW_DROP-OUT]

yes the cylinder head problem ,,,,/ correct coolant has been pointed out ,,,,,, a component which, is part of the "gear selector mechanism " - needed changing on my one , labour alone was more than �150 , on that MAIN DELAER job, which was done , before i aquired it - also the suspension units/shock absorbers are "better designed " , from 2002 ish onwards ,,,,,,

[Twenty20]

Have you actually driven one of these for any distance? Handling is fine but the ride can only be described as awful. The MG looks good in the driveway, if a bit girlie as someone else said, but for any sort of distance driving it's a bone shaker.

I don't think the Mazda has the looks of the MG but the ride is better and the handling is just as good, some say better.

If looks are more important than ride or comfort then go for it but be prepared for dental bills when your filings come loose!

[Lakitu]

I'm pretty much a City driver and rarely on the motorways so it's not such a big issue.

Chuck has got me really considering the MR2, I didn't know there was new style out so the image in my head was that awful mark 2 style (sorry mark 2 MR2 lovers!), but the mark 3 is appealing to me. A lot.

I've searched in auto trader and ebay and there is one of each type pretty close to me.

The MR2 is V reg (2000) with 58k on the clock and is a Japanese import and I'm not sure of the repercussions of imports.

The MG is a 51 plate with 39k on the clock coming in at �3980.

I'm selling my car, which is worth more than the 2 of those cars put together so I can put in a new kitchen to my home, my thinking being that there's little point taking out a loan when I have equity sitting under my nose (I must be getting old before I'm thinking that sensibly!).

If I do this, then I know I'm going to have the car for circa 3 years and I need it to be able to last the pace, which makes me wonder if taking the newer car is the better option.

[david1702198]

ill give you the best advice on this thread do not but a rover of any sort other than the models with a honda engine they are s h i t e . dont say you werent warned!!!

[Lakitu]

What makes them worse than the average car, please?

[gouldc]

What makes them worse? Well it's a rover with an MG badge - built by communists in Solihull (possibly).

We used to sell load sof 2nd hand one's in the garage, and they would inevitably come back for all manner of problems (water leaks into the car - ore than a normal convertible, head gaskets, gearbox failures, rear tyres wear like mad).

Plus they look like a sack of crap.

Buy an MX5 - rarely go wrong, far better build quality, plus Mazda are likely to still be making parts for the car in a few years time.

Oh and the MGF rusts like a ******* as well - watch those rear arches!

[Lakitu]

I'll have a look in Autotrader and ebay for MX5 to see what I can get for my budget and weigh the pros and cons from there....

[Lakitu]

If anyone wants to sell (give) me this for �5k (free), I'd be happy to take it off your hands :)

http://www.thecarfinders.co.uk/images/aston/20 07-Aston-Martin-V8-Vantage-Roadster-Unfolding- Top-1-1600x1200.jpg

[ChuckFickens]

if any one does give you one of those for free I'll volunteer to be your chauffeur, I promise I'll drive it really carefully, honest :)

[Lakitu]

There's condition attached to that role, Chuck:

1. No smoking

2. You must alwys wear gloves

3. You must always call me ma'am

4. You must stay at least 10 feet behind other vehicles at all times

5. You must wash, dry and polish her by hand every second day

6. You must always open the door for me.

7. You will refuse payment

8. You must sand back, stain and varnish my stairs

Failing all of that, I'm thinking that the MR2 is the way to go, I just need to find out the drawbacks, if any, of having an import.

I tried to like the MX5, I just can't.

[david1702198]

also there are a few mx5 owners clubs that still source parts