MG F

ottostreet

Anyone have any experience with these? Seriously considering one. Not put off by perceived reliability, as I currently have an 01 Alfa 147 with 140k miles on it, and it hasnt skipped a beat on me. I'd like to hear real owners experiences with them if possible. Looking at a 1.8 version.

johnos1984

ottostreet wrote: »

Anyone have any experience with these? Seriously considering one. Not put off by perceived reliability, as I currently have an 01 Alfa 147 with 140k miles on it, and it hasnt skipped a beat on me. I'd like to hear real owners experiences with them if possible. Looking at a 1.8 version.

I've lots. I'm currently doing a lot of preventative work/restoration on my own.

Ask and I'll try to answer any questions.

Parts supply is great, reasonably cheap too. I'd happily go along and view with you if it's possible

Stheno

johnos1984 wrote: »

I've lots. I'm currently doing a lot of preventative work/restoration on my own.

Ask and I'll try to answer any questions.

Parts supply is great, reasonably cheap too. I'd happily go along and view with you if it's possible

Ah just the thread I've been looking for, I'm hoping to get a sporty car and along with a gtv, the mg is a car I've long admired for its looks

What are the main issues to look out for? With an alfa it's timing belt, suspension, electrics, rust.

How does that relate to the MG? E.g. with an alfa the timing belt and variator need changing every 36k miles.

ottostreet

I was looking at GTVs as well, but I couldn't justify the running costs to its performance, when I have an FTO GPvR as well. The Alfa is an excellent daily driver, and I like it a lot, but I have a wandering eye when it comes to cars.

The F has caught my eye on paper, but I'd love to know what its actually like to live with. Is it refined or harsh with loads of wind noise? I'm not expecting utter refinement but I'd be put off by a harsh ride. What kind of fuel economy am I looking at realistically from the 1.8? I average 35-37mpg with the Alfa, and hoping to keep around that figure.

And johnos, that'd be fantastic to help me view, I say I'm gonna be prudent and buy after Christmas, but I know what I'm like. I'll spot something on Donedeal, and I'll want it straight away!

johnos1984

Stheno wrote: »

Ah just the thread I've been looking for, I'm hoping to get a sporty car and along with a gtv, the mg is a car I've long admired for its looks

Stheno wrote: »

What are the main issues to look out for?

Previous crash damage, head gasket failure, cracked coolant pipes, oil consumption (rare in fairness), dodgy gearboxes from being forced into 1st or reverse, leaking hydragas displacers (most aren't set at the correct height but it's easy to check), dodgy electrics (especially alarms), leaks, leaks, leaks, leaks, rust, rust and more rust.

HGF can be prevented easily enough if you don't mind doing a few jobs yourself, rust can be treated and prevented also with some preventative maintenance and some time, the suspension can be pumped at home if you are patient, the gearbox can be a weak point but if you know what to look for it's easy to spot, alarms give issues on them all but it's an easy fix or bodge if you want to keep costs down, electrics are generally ok courtesy lights can stay on running down the battery, they leak a lot but there are some common areas such as the rear lights which can be fixed easily.

Essentially they are a good car but there is lots of niggles and you may have to put time in to sorting them.

Having said that mines but fine and has gotten over 40mpg over very varied driving

ottostreet

ottostreet wrote: »

........ Looking at a 1.8 version.

Best to get a VVC one, just watch out for VVC mech rattle of death.

Keep an eye on coolant level and even if the HG goes it's a straight forward fix, few hundred onto a belt and pump job.

Doubt you'd get over 35mpg on anything but a long spin.

johnos1984

ottostreet wrote: »

I'm not expecting utter refinement but I'd be put off by a harsh ride. What kind of fuel economy am I looking at realistically from the 1.8? I average 35-37mpg with the Alfa, and hoping to keep around that figure.

And johnos, that'd be fantastic to help me view, I say I'm gonna be prudent and buy after Christmas, but I know what I'm like. I'll spot something on Donedeal, and I'll want it straight away!

It is possible to live with the refinement. It's not bad but could be better. If you get a hardtop it makes a big difference.

The ride is good though for what it is, gas suspension but not overly hard/soft.

The body does flex though but some upgrade work can reduce this.

I bought the cheapest one on donedeal that I've seen for a while and fully expected what I was getting into. Lots of niggles but essentially a sound car.

Tyres are however very important. I don't have the correct ones fitted but I've driven one with them and the difference in grip is simply unbelievable. A great car you can fiddle with and upgrade but still keep it looking sensible

ottostreet

Unfortunately, I'm no mechanic. At all. My budget won't be large. I don't shirk on maintenance, but is it the kinda car that niggles arise on a very regular basis? As in, my Alfa regularly has electrical failures all round for the first 5 seconds of being on, and then sorts itself out...that kinda thing I don't mind at all!

johnos1984

ottostreet wrote: »

Unfortunately, I'm no mechanic. At all. My budget won't be large. I don't shirk on maintenance, but is it the kinda car that niggles arise on a very regular basis? As in, my Alfa regularly has electrical failures all round for the first 5 seconds of being on, and then sorts itself out...that kinda thing I don't mind at all!

I'm not a mechanic either but I've so far found it easy enough to work on. Lots of space when you get to know your way around it.

I stripped the interior out last weekend to treat rust in the floors and subframe so it's easy enough.

I've also replaced an engine mount. It all depends how it has been looked after. they are delicate bit not any worse than a GTV. Better I reckon but I've no experience of the GTV

Neilw

Would an mx5 not be cheaper to run and a better buy, more reliable too.

Neilw

Neilw wrote: »

Would an mx5 not be cheaper to run and a better buy, more reliable too.

......... and priced accordingly (much like VAG diesels, disproportionally so)

johnos1984

Neilw wrote: »

Would an mx5 not be cheaper to run and a better buy, more reliable too.

For the OP's budget you will not get an MX-5 in good condition or running correctly.

Put it like this, I got my MGF including T/Belt and water pump, full service and reasonable condition for €800.

Due to restoring classic cars I'm a bit anal about condition hence I'm putting everything right. It's not as bad as i think though.

You wouldn't get an MX-5 for that

Marlow

You can find a reasonable MFG for 1-2k, finding a MX-5 at that sort of budget is not happening, unless it's basically crashed.

Can't fault a MG-F. They are cute little cars, not the quickest thing in the world, but a lot of fun. Mate of mine went through 2 of them and as long as you mind them, they're fairly reliable.

/M

ottostreet

See, I'm keeping the budget low if I'm getting a petrol car. If I decide to go diesel, I will spend more. I'm not cash restricted in terms of affording an MX-5, I just dont want to allow myself to spend 3-4k on a petrol car.

MX-5s are probably the better car, but I've no real interest in them for some reason. The ones in the price range are around 20 years old, while the MGs for same price are around 98-99. I'm not influenced entirely by age, but I'd obviously still like as new as possible!

Tea 1000

These are often overlooked, and yet are a great little car to drive:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2642109

fourmations

hi

im no expert but my missus had an mgf yrs ago
and it was a lot of fun to drive, mid engine RWD

i remember it being very hard suspension
and quite bumpy,

cheers