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MG MGF Technical - To buy or not to buy?

I really love the look of MGF's and am planning to buy a VVC this weekend, however, following my research I really can't work out if they're any good or not! Should I think of buying something else?
Someone has also mentioned that they have a tendancy to blow up (ie the head gasket....I think!?)!......is there any truth in this!?

Some advice would be really appreciated, as I know only MGF owners really know the answer!!

Helen

Yes, they have a reliability issue with the original gasket. 'a tendancy to blow up' is very stong and typical of the overreporting you see in the press.

The F is a nice car,
did you drive it?
do you like the look?
has it enough/too much power for you?

Are you prepaired to spend money on a car which is old - if not then buy a new car, old cars need some work, things wear out.

If you are unsure what you are looking at get an AA inspection, if you are confortable looking youreslf then there are online guides to show you danger areas (someone will be along shortly)
Will Munns

Try http://www.dotcomoff.com or http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group1/info/MGF_buying.htm for the buying guides Helen.

Basically I agree with Will. Buy the best and most recent car you can afford. If you have any doubts about the prospective purchase, walk away. The MGF has been a best seller for so long that there are loads to choose from, so you can afford to be picky.

Good luck! :o)
Rob Bell

If you are worried about hgf then take a warranty out from a company like the AA to give you piece of mind for not very much I believe.

The main thing when looking for a MGF make sure it has a full service history by a main dealer or specialist. You got to be aware that if the car is coming up for its 5 year or 60000 mile service it will be expensive due to cam belt change so could be used to get the price down.

What ever MGF you choose you will not be disappointed and to make the enjoyment even better join one of the clubs like the MG Car club.

Tom
Tom Randell

Cheers Rob and I second everything you said. :)
Paul Lathwell

ditto the above ,id leave a refundable deposit,with the sellar,on the rac/AA ,inspection,being ok,i would not buy a car without one. they can usually inspect the next working day,and the enginer,gave me a over the phone verdict before the report was sent. dont rush as there are loads out there ..hth..........mel............
m e johnson

helen, go for a late tf ,if you can most of the bugs
have been sorted i've had 2years of trouble free motoring out of mine, which is more than say for most new cars that I have had (change every 3years) so far tf been great fun with no hassle . mind thats just given it the kiss of death an't it !
allan

Buy it (as above comments)

LIFE'S TOO SHORT NOT TO!!!!!
John Dickson

Thanks guys you've all been fantastic!

Rob - The link was very usefull thanks!

Tom - Thanks for letting me know about the service, I'll deffo be checking that one!!

I'll keep you all posted on what I get!

I'll be doing plenty of test driving this weekend, so tell everyone to stay off the roads!

Cheers!

Helen

This thread was discussed between 28/10/2004 and 29/10/2004

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