2002 MGF

Flashheart · 22 Apr 2011 at 12:14

Hey guy's.
I know the problems with MGF's but I do truely love them and will almost certainly be getting one within the month.
Heres the question...I know they have engine problems, although if cared for well this is greatly diminished. I have a K series 1.6 rover 400 and with careful tinkering that has lasted flawlessly.

I have spotted an MGF with 41000 on the clock 2002 reg priced at £1799. They advertise that it has had head gasket replacement and water pump with all reciepts for the work.
If the head gasket has been replaced, is it more likely to blow again or less likely than If I bought a higher mileage mg without a head gasket replacement?

Anybody any ideas??

Philz0r · 22 Apr 2011 at 15:40

if you want an MG, go for it. i think its the vvc one thats the top banana. aim for that if you can.

remember these things rot like mad underneath. make sure to have a good look around the car for rust.
make sure the roof if solid and ask him if he experiences dampness.

if the head gasket has just been replaced it "should" last you awhile but i know these are common problems on this engine. i think my friend went through 2 in 5 years running a zr but i know another person with one and he still has his ZR after about 5 years and hasnt changed it once.

hurfdurf · 22 Apr 2011 at 15:45

Have you driven an MX5 to compare?

Disco Boy · 22 Apr 2011 at 15:46

For £1800 can't you get a later TF which isn't a metro underneath? (aka no hydrogas

)

I know you say that you love them, but have you driven one? Or, dare I say it, an mx-5?

hurfdurf · 22 Apr 2011 at 15:49

Disco Boy said:
I know you say that you love them, but have you driven one?

I cannot see how one could drive an MGF and "love them" at the same time, especially so if they have also driven an MX5 to compare.

Philz0r · 22 Apr 2011 at 15:52

ive never driven an mx-5 before, always wanted to but never really had the chance. i driven an mgf once as a test drive but the clutch pedal was really stiff and passed onit. that was about 5 years ago lol.

PhillyDee · 22 Apr 2011 at 15:54

It depends how you drive the car to the hg issues. Let the car warm up before you hoon/thrash it. Also, if the HG has already been done, check the receipts, it should have had the uprated gasket fitted, this will help prevent future occurances.

dalin80 · 22 Apr 2011 at 15:58

Philz0r said:
ive never driven an mx-5 before, always wanted to but never really had the chance. .

They are not anywhere near as great as the fans make out. In fact nothing special about them at all.

Sprung TF's drive a hell of a lot better.

Locky · 22 Apr 2011 at 16:05

for near 2k i would be looking for MG TF instead.

MrMoonX · 22 Apr 2011 at 16:09

id rather buy a 2k mx-5 tbh

naefeart · 22 Apr 2011 at 16:10

Flashheart said:
If the head gasket has been replaced, is it more likely to blow again or less likely than If I bought a higher mileage mg without a head gasket replacement?

I think the main issue is what actually causes the HG failure. IIRC with the K series engine, many HG issues boiled down (excuse the pun) to the poor cooling system.

The coolant capacity is relatively small and intolerant of leaks. So getting a car with a new HG won't make any difference if you don't keep an eye on the coolant and stop it running low (also prevents air locks).

Locky · 22 Apr 2011 at 16:12

MrMoonX said:
id rather buy a 2k mx-5 tbh

He has his heart set on an MG, but the mx5 would be a better choice.

hurfdurf · 22 Apr 2011 at 16:12

dalin80 said:
They are not anywhere near as great as the fans make out. In fact nothing special about them at all.

Sprung TF's drive a hell of a lot better.

Nope

Disco Boy · 22 Apr 2011 at 16:17

dalin80 said:
They are not anywhere near as great as the fans make out. In fact nothing special about them at all.

Sprung TF's drive a hell of a lot better.

Just no.

OP: please drive an MX-5 before buying anything, you won't regret it.

Philz0r · 22 Apr 2011 at 16:26

Disco Boy said:
Just no.

You have driven one once and the only thing of note is that the clutch wasn't good? Please drive an MX-5 before buying anything, you won't regret it.

im not the OP lol, im looking into 350z's personally

Disco Boy · 22 Apr 2011 at 16:52

Philz0r said:
im not the OP lol, im looking into 350z's personally

Whoops

I just go by signatures and neither of you have one

Garido · 22 Apr 2011 at 16:58

Is this a patriotic thing to get an MGF? It's not like the MX-5 is ugly and due it's large fanbase you have there surely that would make for affordable servicing and parts. Should be more reliable too.

EDIT: Just like to put it out I'm not anti British (Would love an S-type or Rover 75 but they are extremely overpriced here). Great car though, especially in the UK considering how they are as cheap as chips.

Berger · 22 Apr 2011 at 17:26

I think I would rather have a good MG over a sheddy MX5 (as they would be similar price wise), but having driven neither I couldn't say for sure.

You can get a MG Trophy 160 for not much cash compared to an older slower MX5.

Philz0r · 22 Apr 2011 at 17:43

Disco Boy said:
Whoops I just go by signatures and neither of you have one

i now have a sig and avatar, just for you mind.

Azza · 22 Apr 2011 at 18:36

Parents had an MG F, head gasket went, which cost silly amount to get sorted, week or so later a pipe split and water was all over the place. Few days after that was fixed another pipe split and it also started leaking petrol. No end of troubles with it. Get an MX5.