Discussion
Hey there, I was wondering if anyone could advise me about the MG TF 160. I'm kinda tempted by one, like the idea of mid engined, rear wheel drive, roof off motoring. (perhaps for next summer though 
)
Are the K series engines as bad for head gaskets as is made out? And also what should I look for when buying one? Do they feel quick? They seem to be really good value for money.
I have owned an MG *cough*metro *cough* in the past, although I have abdicated to Alfas
I have always liked the MG F.
Thanks guys.
)Are the K series engines as bad for head gaskets as is made out? And also what should I look for when buying one? Do they feel quick? They seem to be really good value for money.
I have owned an MG *cough*metro *cough* in the past, although I have abdicated to Alfas
I have always liked the MG F. Thanks guys.
HGF is a real issue. If you watch the water temp and (more importantly) the water level, then if/when the head gasket heads south it's an annoyance and not a crisis. The trouble comes when the head gasket gives up and the engine is fried as a result.
Caterham used the K series for years, as did Lotus in the Elise and Exige. With both of those cars it's regarded as something to keep an eye on, not a reason to avoid. It really should be the same for the F/TF.
I have had a '02 TF160 since 2004. In that time I have done a number of track days and added 60,000 km to it. Yes there was a HGF, but I picked it up early on and there was no need for major mechanical work. Fortunately the car was still under warranty at the time. I had a remote thermostat kit installed, which may be doing good...either way, I have not had a recurrence of HGF in the last 50,000km.
Bang for the buck, I think you will struggle to find something that comes anywhere near it. The only criticsm of the driving experience is that it is a bit quiet...but that can easily be fixed.
Go on....buy one!
Caterham used the K series for years, as did Lotus in the Elise and Exige. With both of those cars it's regarded as something to keep an eye on, not a reason to avoid. It really should be the same for the F/TF.
I have had a '02 TF160 since 2004. In that time I have done a number of track days and added 60,000 km to it. Yes there was a HGF, but I picked it up early on and there was no need for major mechanical work. Fortunately the car was still under warranty at the time. I had a remote thermostat kit installed, which may be doing good...either way, I have not had a recurrence of HGF in the last 50,000km.
Bang for the buck, I think you will struggle to find something that comes anywhere near it. The only criticsm of the driving experience is that it is a bit quiet...but that can easily be fixed.
Go on....buy one!
I am really temped by them. But it wont be till next summer due to a lack of funds, and the fact that I have only had my current car for 6 months! It looks like quite a good way into the whole rear wheel drive thing. The other option is a honda S2000, but im not really a fan of jap cars as they dont seem to have any 'character' if you know what i mean.
I think some test drives are in order....
I think some test drives are in order....
Alfachick said:
Ah yes metros...
So a typical 90's Rover/MG kinda car then, just a parts bin get-together!
You say that like it's a bad thing but for my money MG/Rover have a pretty good record of conjuring enjoyable cars from unlikely materials. Yes it's based on a pair of Metro front subframes, yes it borrows bits from all over the place, yes it's unfashionable, but when you consider what your choices are if you want a 2-seat roadster at the money which a tidy F/TF goes for it all starts to make a lot of sense.So a typical 90's Rover/MG kinda car then, just a parts bin get-together!
I've got an MGF VVC, it's reasonably smart looking, has cost peanuts to run, been solidly reliable for 26K miles in 18 months, a *lot* quicker than most people seem to think/expect, damned good fun to drive, remarkably civilised for a dinky little roadster (I've been doing a weekly commute from Braintree, Essex to Birmingham, setting off at an ungodly hour on Monday morning with no complaints), surprisingly practical (huge boot for a mid-engined car), and for what it cost me I'd have got a very tired and scruffy MX-5 (most likely an imported Eunos) 1.6.
Can't see the problem myself. For my money if you find a nice one at the right price (and factor in a bit for the possibility of the dreaded HGF, although if you get a well sorted one and look after it that's by no means inevitable) you can't go wrong!
--
JG
Gassing Station | MG | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff