RE: SOTW: MG-F 1.8 VVC

[Turbocharger]

[quote]regard to its positives... is that because it doesn't have any ? Genuine question !
[/quote]

I've had mine three years. I like the handling, the spring rates are taut and it'll steer in a corner on the throttle. It's mid-engined so a little snatchy if you take the p*ss, but genuinely enjoyable to drive.

(I'll get flamed for this comment...) I'd love a V8 and I keep looking at Chimaeras, XK8s etc, but it keeps coming back to 20,000 miles @ 40+mpg each year, so the TF is hard to argue with.

[Meoricin]

I need one of those to take apart and make my Metro more interesting.

[Turbocharger]

Reliability? As I said above, a few bits and pieces but the parts are cheap too, since it's Rover. Also, weird things happen because it's a Rover, like the clock going backwards for a few days, but overall it's been fun motoring, cheap on parts and it hasn't let me down. Find me a TVR owner who can say the same...

[AC Motors]

I had a BR Green VVC same year as this one with later trophy wheels. I really liked it. Only problems I had were the ignition coils which were located in the engine bay and often suffered from bad connections and damp giving poor starting. It also had a K&N conversion and actually went really well. IMO the earlier hydro suspension gives better ride for everyday use than the later standard shock / spring setup. Lots of rubbish MG-F's about for this money but this one looks quite good and all important gasket / cambelts done. Good shed.

[EDLT]

The Crack Fox said:

Here's the thing - when SOTW is some scabby Italian motor, or Bavarian barge, we all overlook the inevitable shortcomings as we're so smitten with the positives.

Except thats not true. There are always people calling them money pits, warnings of rust, electrical issues and other old-car gremlins. French sheds get some stick too.

[jains15]

The Crack Fox said:

Here's the thing - when SOTW is some scabby Italian motor, or Bavarian barge, we all overlook the inevitable shortcomings as we're so smitten with the positives. It seems that whenever we talk about MGFs we just argue about its shortcomings with little regard to its positives... is that because it doesn't have any ? Genuine question !

I'd love to hear from anyone who has had an MGF for (say) 5 years and done some roadtrips and trackdays in it, instead of the usual 'my mate's aunt had one and he said she said it was crap'...

Hands up then...

We had an F (118bhp one) for 4 years, until I crashed it. never did a trak day, but did everything else. Was used for trips, commuting (daily driver) and holidays. Here's my honest opinion

DRIVING
Lovely engine, very rorty and loved it when you stirred it, sounded great and was at the heart of the car. MR layout, however the set-up felt resolutley FWD although the back would get away from you if not careful, it once went at 70mph on me. Very snappy on the limit, best to drive it at 6-8/10ths. Handling was ok, quite rolly polly but drive it slow-in-fast-out and you couldn't go far wrong. You could annoy significantly bigger or more expensive machines quite easily in it...

IMAGE
you'll get gay comments, but those people are losers. At least it's an MG so has some history

RELIABILITY
not great. Not all engine related, suspension is high maintenance the Hydragas on ours was always needing attention. front ARB drop links failed once. Distributer always got wet - stranded me a couple of time on this. the ignition in general was rubbish. Had an HGF but was fixed by an indie who knew what they were doing and never happened again.

COSTS
was quite expensive to run due to silly things like the hydragas and wierd tyre sizes. Quite high insurance for us but we were in our early 20's

All in all, SWMBO loved it. I liked it (prefer my current car). We enjoyed open top motoring, we had fun in it. it was a nightmare at times and horrendously impractical at times but overall it was OK and was a good car. Some of me best drives have been in that car (a couple around the lake district and a great drive I had in Dorset on deserted roads in the middle of summer) The car was always up for it, which was nice. She's always on about getting another I may save up and surprise her as long as I can keep my Alfa

[300bhp/ton]

The Crack Fox said:

Here's the thing - when SOTW is some scabby Italian motor, or Bavarian barge, we all overlook the inevitable shortcomings as we're so smitten with the positives. It seems that whenever we talk about MGFs we just argue about its shortcomings with little regard to its positives... is that because it doesn't have any ? Genuine question !

I'd love to hear from anyone who has had an MGF for (say) 5 years and done some roadtrips and trackdays in it, instead of the usual 'my mate's aunt had one and he said she said it was crap'...

Didn't do any trackdays in one, but then I don't don't do trackdays.

I found them very livable. The boot is huge for such a small car and a good shape. Quite good cabin storage too, at least compared to my smart Roadster.

I always found them comfy to be with good seats and if you come from a hatchback you'll realise just how low an F is to get into.

I liked the handling too, although it's not a hooligans car, its much better if you a smooth with your inputs and it's all about getting the right line around corners. Although they can bite if you get it wrong and can be sensitive to tyres.

Early non PAS 1.8i's have more feel, but the steering is a little heavier. Some moan the electric PAS lacks feel, this is a little harsh IMO as it's easily as good or better than any hatchback.

Some also moan about the gearchange. Never really noticed it myself though and there are shift kits avilable if you want.


Stock clutch is crap, the car has way more grip than the clutch can handle. So try a fast start and it'll spin the clutch not the wheels. A clutch upgrade transforms this and should be on every F owners want list.

The hood is very easy to put up or down, even from the drivers seat if the mechanism is free moving. I believe the hood frame is actually supplied by Mazda and is the same as an MX-5.

The hood itself was revised in 97 and seals better than earlier cars it also doesn't drip on you as much when you open the door.

Rear screen is plastic, age may make them hard to see though, although there are options. Biggest issue is most don't let it fold correctly so many plastic screens get damaged and crack. They can also be unzipped if the top is down for a long time.

Hard tops are easy to fit and make it as snug as a coupe.

Hydrogas suspension can leak, but usually not a major issue and is only more scary because people don't really know about the system. Lots of places can re-gas them and it isn't too costly.

Some bushes can wear, but this is true of all cars and no real different.

Engine access is ok via large removable panel under the hood/behind the seats, although getting to the spark plugs isn't


HG failures are an issue, but there's a lot that can be done these days. Just do your research first. It's also worth noting that HG issues aside the K-Series is a fabulous engine in terms of power delivery and driveability. The VVC is particularly addictive as it makes its PEAK power at 7200rpm with a red line of 7250rpm. So it just keeps getting faster and faster rather than nosing off like most engines do.

In terms of performance the MGF generally out guns the MX-5 most of the time.

It is also better on fuel. Driving like a loon I used to average 27mpg, but most people will see 33-35mpg average. Most MK1 or 2 MX-5's aren't usually this good on fuel. On a proper run you'll also see over 40mpg with relative ease.


There is also quite a good parts and modifying scene for the MGF, so if you want to make it faster or more comfy you can.



I like the MX-5 and the MGF and I'd happily have either. But I can't honestly fault the MGF to the extent that it gets slated on PH.

[888dee]

Fail, I would be looking for something more reliable

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2275621.htm

Yes I know it's not a drop top and it's not RWD either, crackin' car all the same

[wildcat45]

Got one. Had three one was a TF 160. In the end I preferred the F to the TF so I let the TF go.

They can be a nightmare - but I have been lucky with mine. So long as they have been properly looked after then they can be just as reliable as any other car of that age.

MY F still gets admiring glances and comments. It will take in 300 miles of country road a day without a blink. Its got the sweetest revving little motor - not bad for a Y reg car.

HGF - tempting fate, but its never happened to me. Mind you certainly the F I have has had a pampered life. Perfect service history. I bought it in 2007 with 19K on the clock. Locally owned, I even knew the salesman who signed the original bill of sale.

Great potential for modding if you like that sort of thing. Not terribly expensive to fix and if you get a good indy who isn't some teeth sucking head shaking cliche of a spanner monkey, then most problems are easily fixed.

There is a decent support website which will answer most of your problems - there are even people on there who volunteer to fix stuff for you.

All in all a cracking little car. Plenty of space, decent boot, space in the front for stuff. We've lived out of one for a week or more when B and Bing etc.

I reckon the early MX5 is probably a better car, but that doesn't mean the MGF is ste by any means.

And for a grand - well its worth more than that as spare parts.

[ally_f]

Having owned an MGF, MX5 mk1 and MR2 Mk3 I agree the bad reputation of the 'f is undeserved.

Yes, you sit too high up, the (electric) steering has less feel than a bad arcade game and some of the interior trim is a bit low rent but apart from that it's a nice car. Comfy and composed for a convertible (that hydagas suspension might not work at 100% attack on a smooth race track but it's perfect for your average potholed B road), decent boot (something that's a bit lacking in the '2). Ours overheated badly twice, once because of a failed radiator cap and once because of the ensuing air lock and the head gasket was fine, they're not as fragile as people make out.

Common Myths:
Head gasket: They only hold about 3 litres of coolant as opposed to 7 in the MR2, if you don't maintain the system there's less opportunity to spot a leak. Ignore a leak and/or a climbing temp gauge and you deserve to break down.

Coolant Bleeding: Those 'in the know' say you have to vacuum bleed the system with proper equipment; in reality a trolley jack and a bit of patience is fine.

Undercar pipes: these become porous over time and leak, but so do those on a lot of mid-engined cars, stainless replacements are £70, problem solved.

Leaking suspension: Hydragas units can lose pressure over time (years rather than months), ours failed the MOT on it but our local MG specialist charged £30 for a re-gas and check of all the units. A quick wipe over with a rag and a couple of years later no leaks and no drop in ride height...big bill avoided.

Engine access:
A few clips on the hood and a few 10mm bolts and voila, an engine; normal checks (oil / coolant levels) are done from the remote points in the boot. Really not a problem.

£1000 looks like a bargain to me; and anyone who calls you gay or a hairdresser can get back in their mundane silver '60 plate, diesel, front engined, front wheel drive, air conditioned rep mobile and bugger off back to whatever trendy wine bar they just fell out of. (seriously, why is it the people with the most boring cars who tend to have a pop at anyone with anything different?!)

[CampDavid]

Pay a little more and Barons have the car for you

http://www.barons-auctions.com/details.php?lotpath...

£1500 all in I'd guess. Ideal

[thatone1967]

jains15 said:

Had an HGF but was fixed by an indie who knew what they were doing and never happened again.

Sounds like a chap called Russel!

Edited by thatone1967 on Friday 3rd December 12:47

[Dr Doofenshmirtz]

Being a Man, I of course wouldn't be seen dead in one - but nice enough car for the wife/gf I guess.

[kambites]

Dr Doofenshmirtz said:

Being a Man who's not confident of his own sexuality, I of course wouldn't be seen dead in one - but nice enough car for the wife/gf I guess.

EFA.

What on earth has gender got to do with it? I've never understood the idea of a "man's car" or a "woman's car".

[Vidal Baboon]

300bhp/ton said:

The Crack Fox said:

Here's the thing - when SOTW is some scabby Italian motor, or Bavarian barge, we all overlook the inevitable shortcomings as we're so smitten with the positives. It seems that whenever we talk about MGFs we just argue about its shortcomings with little regard to its positives... is that because it doesn't have any ? Genuine question !

I'd love to hear from anyone who has had an MGF for (say) 5 years and done some roadtrips and trackdays in it, instead of the usual 'my mate's aunt had one and he said she said it was crap'...

Didn't do any trackdays in one, but then I don't don't do trackdays.

I found them very livable. The boot is huge for such a small car and a good shape. Quite good cabin storage too, at least compared to my smart Roadster.

I always found them comfy to be with good seats and if you come from a hatchback you'll realise just how low an F is to get into.

I liked the handling too, although it's not a hooligans car, its much better if you a smooth with your inputs and it's all about getting the right line around corners. Although they can bite if you get it wrong and can be sensitive to tyres.

Early non PAS 1.8i's have more feel, but the steering is a little heavier. Some moan the electric PAS lacks feel, this is a little harsh IMO as it's easily as good or better than any hatchback.

Some also moan about the gearchange. Never really noticed it myself though and there are shift kits avilable if you want.


Stock clutch is crap, the car has way more grip than the clutch can handle. So try a fast start and it'll spin the clutch not the wheels. A clutch upgrade transforms this and should be on every F owners want list.

The hood is very easy to put up or down, even from the drivers seat if the mechanism is free moving. I believe the hood frame is actually supplied by Mazda and is the same as an MX-5.

The hood itself was revised in 97 and seals better than earlier cars it also doesn't drip on you as much when you open the door.

Rear screen is plastic, age may make them hard to see though, although there are options. Biggest issue is most don't let it fold correctly so many plastic screens get damaged and crack. They can also be unzipped if the top is down for a long time.

Hard tops are easy to fit and make it as snug as a coupe.

Hydrogas suspension can leak, but usually not a major issue and is only more scary because people don't really know about the system. Lots of places can re-gas them and it isn't too costly.

Some bushes can wear, but this is true of all cars and no real different.

Engine access is ok via large removable panel under the hood/behind the seats, although getting to the spark plugs isn't


HG failures are an issue, but there's a lot that can be done these days. Just do your research first. It's also worth noting that HG issues aside the K-Series is a fabulous engine in terms of power delivery and driveability. The VVC is particularly addictive as it makes its PEAK power at 7200rpm with a red line of 7250rpm. So it just keeps getting faster and faster rather than nosing off like most engines do.

In terms of performance the MGF generally out guns the MX-5 most of the time.

It is also better on fuel. Driving like a loon I used to average 27mpg, but most people will see 33-35mpg average. Most MK1 or 2 MX-5's aren't usually this good on fuel. On a proper run you'll also see over 40mpg with relative ease.


There is also quite a good parts and modifying scene for the MGF, so if you want to make it faster or more comfy you can.



I like the MX-5 and the MGF and I'd happily have either. But I can't honestly fault the MGF to the extent that it gets slated on PH.

Well that pretty much covers most points.

For the money (i.e second hand values) you will get a much nicer F than an MX5. Plus, the 5 does one thing better than the F and that is be more predictable at the limit. Everythig else, the F does better.

Everyone loves an MX5 vs MGF argument don't they?

[Motorrad]

Cynical shedding, if it was possible for the producers of a website to 'troll' this is it.

Head gasket, driving position, spheres, Clarkson, unpatriotic, who won WWII anyway? etc etc

[JimmieSprint]

Love mine!



Started off as a 1.8, since converted to VVC. Spent some money on good tyres and 4-wheel alignment. TF steering rack, body-stiffening braces, 4 pot brakes. Handles pretty well.
Competed in sprints and hillclimbs over the last 2 years. Won numerious awards and a class championship.
Social scene is superb.

Also used as a daily & holiday car.
Never EVER broke down. Returns 37mpg normal driving.

[OllieC]

Ive not owned one, but I took a new one for a 30 minute or so test drive (my mum was interested in getting a new one, the dealer lent us it for a day)

The one abiding memory was that it felt like I was sitting on the car not in it, I couldnt stand the driving position.

Wasnt bad to drive apart from that though.

I presume the driving position could be helped a bit by replacing the seats with some fixed race items or some such??

Edited by OllieC on Friday 3rd December 13:16

[Speedracer329]

Never owned one myself but have plenty of experience of them, working on, driving etc, & I think they are unfairly critisised by the majority. They look nice, the hood is easy to put up/down, & although not lightening quick can be hustled along very briskly if you understand mid engine rear wheel drive dynamics. The head gasket "problem" myth is perpetuated by people having them botched when they go instead of having it done properly.
I think for the kind of money they can be picked up for these days they make a lot of sense.

[2fster]

I've had 2 Mk1 MX5s and would really like to get one of these and an MR2 out of my system.

This wins by a country mile on value-for-money though.

HG failure is now sorted with a revised gasket I believe so doesn't worry me in the slightest. The VVC sounds great from what people have said!

Am I right in saying the hydragas can be modded too?