Help Buying MGF

[Herbie58]

Looking for some help. I am going to look at cars this weekend and my heart is set on an mgf or mgtf.

However I want to go in with my eyes open about the costs. I know that the head gasket going is a common problem and leaks with the hood.

What should I be looking for/at/aware of before I buy?

Much Appreciated!

Thanks

[barefoot]

Go here for everything you need to know they are all very helpful and any questions you may have will have been answered check the FAQ or do a search.

http://forums.mg-rover.org/forumdisplay.php?f=12

[mgtony]

I have a friend selling a decent one in your part of the country, I'll speak to him tomorrow and send you his number.
Tony.

[ofcorsa]

I am looking at a great V ref MGF with 39k miles FSH, very well looked after car, From reading the net it seems its a certainty that the HG will fail, cant get on the MG site from work unfortunatly

[bigbadbikercats]

ofcorsa said:

From reading the net it seems its a certainty that the HG will fail.

By no means a foregone conclusion - bough my VVC with 35K miles on the clock, two years and 40K miles later it was still fine. Indications are that those which were going to fail spontaneously will have done by now and having reached that sort of mileage if it's properly looked after (coolant changed regularly and topped up, coolant leaks spotted and fixed in good time, treated a gently until fully warmed up, and never, ever allowed to overheat) the dreaded HGF isn't anything like as inevitable as popular lore would suggest - still does no harm to leave a few hundred quid of your budget in the bank just in case mind...

I'd certainly have another[1] like a shot if the right car popped up at the right price at the right time and all other things being equal the HG wouldn't be at the top of my worry list.

[1] Mine morphed into a Saab 900 Convertible for totally non-HGF related reasons...

--
JG

[ofcorsa]

Well even after being told the its HGF waiting to happen, I'm still getting it.

2.6k isnt alot for two seater toy for the missus (no jokes ) , Bung a few hundred aside for emergencies,

The reciepts i've got show a thermo change and couple of coolant replacements, To me this would suggest very good maintainance, Car seems genuine, Im gonna take a punt, From views on here those that have owned them have loved them

[ofcorsa]

Well i've taken the plunge, My girlfriend loves, i love it too just need to find a way to get the keys off her!

[PJ3074]

Glad you bought one! They are well good fun... but as a word from the wise, get it straight down the garage for the once over.

In particular..check the Radiator, Front Pipes from Rad to Engine Bay as they used mild steel to save costs, but they corrode from the inside and choke your system. Make sure the coolant has been changed recently. I use the Toyota ForLife coolant (having owned MR2's) its a dark pink/red colour. Also ensure the 3-way Heater Hose is in good condition, as they can rub on adjacent metal work and perish.. you will know this when the water falls out and you go up in steam.

http://www.sussexclassiccar.co.uk/

Keep this handy too for all your parts - buy them yourself and get a decent garage to fit, then you know you got the proper components going in to your new baby.

Just to add.. during operation the Oil Temp should sit at 120C and the Temp. Gauge should be sitting just under the half way marker once warmed up. In traffic, you should hear all the cooling fans kick in from time to time to keep temp. at the ambient. If gauges rises and no fans kicking in then turn off and get it checked.

Edited by PJ3074 on Monday 23 November 15:08

[ofcorsa]

coolant was changed at last service, This gets checked every week along with all the other fluids, Il definatley check the hoses and pipes, Car has been regularly maintained looks very tidy for its age.