mg f buying tips

opel1

Hey, apart from the usual bits and bobs to look out for i.e timing belt / electrics etc.
is there anything worth keeping a close eye on with the mgf 1999 1.8l engine?

regards

Henry Ford III

Head gasket.

Saab Ed

.....dont buy one

opel1

how do you know if the head gasket is gone? is it an expensive repair if it is gone and is there way to prevent it?

opel1

Saab Ed wrote: »

.....dont buy one

are they that bad?

Saab Ed

Look for 'common' MGF problems:

1. Water leaks. These may stain the seats (especially red seat cloth- which seems more susceptible to water damage). Feel the carpets for dampness. If the passenger foot well is damp, then it is possible that the heater box seal has failed. Also check inside the boot; very early cars had problems with water sealing- both with regard to panel sealing and premature rear light cluster seal failure (new seals are cheap, and are 1.5 mm thicker than the originals!!!). More information here.
2. Front tyre wear is a common problem caused by the simple-to-rectify tracking misalignment- typically manifests as inner edge wear. Be suspicious of brand new tyres on the front: where fitted ensure that the tracking has also been checked. Also, it is worth looking at the brands of tyre used- some are better suited to the MGF than others- as explained here.
3. The flexible pipe union in the exhaust system fails with age- very common and not specific to MGFs. However, they are expensive to buy (250 quid) so check that it is in good condition. Difficult to see (it is under the engine's sump), but can be heard as a rattle or blowing noise.
4. Some early cars have suffered from head gasket problems. These usually occur within the first 25,000 miles of the vehicle's life- so if it has been replaced, ensure that the work has been performed properly. Also check the coolant pipes and the front radiator on cars older than 5 years as these components can be prone to corrosion and failure- an AA inspection should pick these problems up. More here.
5. Check the alignment of the door glass. Again, a problem with older cars is that the window guide stops could fail; these have since been redesigned- but this problem has lead to some cars with poorly fitting side windows that can lead to poor water sealing. An MGF should be effectively water-tight. More here.

....taken from here.....http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group1/info/MGF_buying.htm

opel1

Saab Ed wrote: »

Look for 'common' MGF problems:

1. Water leaks. These may stain the seats (especially red seat cloth- which seems more susceptible to water damage). Feel the carpets for dampness. If the passenger foot well is damp, then it is possible that the heater box seal has failed. Also check inside the boot; very early cars had problems with water sealing- both with regard to panel sealing and premature rear light cluster seal failure (new seals are cheap, and are 1.5 mm thicker than the originals!!!). More information here.
2. Front tyre wear is a common problem caused by the simple-to-rectify tracking misalignment- typically manifests as inner edge wear. Be suspicious of brand new tyres on the front: where fitted ensure that the tracking has also been checked. Also, it is worth looking at the brands of tyre used- some are better suited to the MGF than others- as explained here.
3. The flexible pipe union in the exhaust system fails with age- very common and not specific to MGFs. However, they are expensive to buy (250 quid) so check that it is in good condition. Difficult to see (it is under the engine's sump), but can be heard as a rattle or blowing noise.
4. Some early cars have suffered from head gasket problems. These usually occur within the first 25,000 miles of the vehicle's life- so if it has been replaced, ensure that the work has been performed properly. Also check the coolant pipes and the front radiator on cars older than 5 years as these components can be prone to corrosion and failure- an AA inspection should pick these problems up. More here.
5. Check the alignment of the door glass. Again, a problem with older cars is that the window guide stops could fail; these have since been redesigned- but this problem has lead to some cars with poorly fitting side windows that can lead to poor water sealing. An MGF should be effectively water-ti

1. ght. More here.

....taken from here.....http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group1/info/MGF_buying.htm

cheers for that, some bedtime reading

Neilw

Buy an mx5 instead

Nissan doctor

If you enjoy dirty hands and standing for long periods at the sides of roads then an mgf is just the car.

If you want fine handling 2 seater sports car, toyota mr2 or Mazda mx5.


The build and mechanical quality of mgf's(rovers in general) is actually shocking! Aside from k series engine troubles, the interior trim tends to literally fall apart and the likes of electric windows etc give constant trouble.

mondeo

Don't buy one....their rubbish

Get an e36 3 series convertible:p

x in the city

or a mondeo zetec and nip the roof off.....

opel1

Thanks for the replys, i'd spotted this model in bill griffin motors for €1500 and thought it might make a nice summer/weekend runabout at small enough money. but then again it could be more of a heartbreaker by the sounds of it!!!

http://www.carzone.ie/search/MG/MGF/1.8-CONV/201010197187589/advert?channel=CARS

L-M

opel1 wrote: »

Thanks for the replys, i'd spotted this model in bill griffin motors for €1500 and thought it might make a nice summer/weekend runabout at small enough money. but then again it could be more of a heartbreaker by the sounds of it!!!

http://www.carzone.ie/search/MG/MGF/1.8-CONV/201010197187589/advert?channel=CARS

143,000 miles? The head was more than likely replaced at some point... €1500? Tax and test? Bring a mechanic with you, get a warranty and take it!

Limerick man

Limerick man wrote: »

143,000 miles? The head was more than likely replaced at some point... €1500? Tax and test? Bring a mechanic with you, get a warranty and take it!

Indeed, the 1.8 is by far the worst of the 4 cylinder ks for HG issues, especially in the F but they go well before 143000 miles, that could well be a bargain at the price. I would never advice anyone to shell out lots of cash on an F but €1500 is f all for a 1999. Especially at this time of year. Any f in roadworthy condition with no HG issue is worth €1500 if you want one.

Even with a dent behind the petrol cap.

L-M

RoverJames wrote: »

Indeed, the 1.8 is by far the worst of the 4 cylinder ks for HG issues, especially in the F but they go well before 143000 miles,

I've seen them go at 30k miles, and AFAIK there's a modified head gasket that solves the problem. So if that was fitted, or the gasket was replaced at some point, happy days. Even if it did go again, there are lots of competitive mechanics that'll do it for you, and if you give the car a good check before hand, you should be onto a winner at €1500 or less.

I agree, a HG on a k series is quite a simple job if it hasn't been cooked, simple and cheap if the mechanic doesn't screw you. Only a couple of hundred onto t belt and water pump cost. The upgraded HG originated for the 1.8 Freelander but it fits all 4 cyl ks.

opel1

an inspection may be required and see how she is in the flesh.
I just hope theres enough room in it for a six foot driver without the knees up round the ears!

Nissan doctor

An mgf with 140k plus is just a world of hate ready to pounce on a misguided person.

There is simply no possibility that it will not be a major money pit.