£1k MGF - Cheap summer toy?

[User33678888]

I was told last night that early MGFs are now insurable as classics, so fully comp insurance should be v low.

I know they wern't great new, but when you look at the format it sounds great. Small lightish mid engined rwd convertible. What;s not to like?
I was also told that the really bad ones aren't on the road any more, so anything still running 20 years later must've been one of the better put together ones.

So, would you?

Assuming i buy it for 800-1000 and sell for similar in 6-12 months?

How badly could it burn me?

[Liggle]

I was in a similar position recently, wanted a £1k-£1.5k summer toy. I didn't like the MGF driving position, felt like I was sat on top of the car (I'm 6 foot 2) and an MGF seemed like a liability at that price range.

I also looked at MX5's and MR2's and in the end upped my budget and went for a MK1 MR2. I am slightly biased having owned one before but it felt much better than an MGF.

[cbmotorsport]

Head. Gasket.

[User33678888]

cbmotorsport said:

Head. Gasket.

I've seen some advertised as having had it done, but honestly, how hard can it be to change the gasket on a k series?
I've not done one myself since a Merc 190 in the early 90s.. so I may be over simplyfing, but it seems like a reasonably straightforward enough job for a Saturday morning..
Or maybe I'm just trying to justify it to myself.
SWMBO had an MX5 for a few years so also looking for something different..
And as much as I'd love a Vx220it seems huge money in comparison to these..

[GreatGranny]

Lots of information on HGF.

However a lot of it is contradictory if you read it so it's difficult to suss out the bullst from the truth.

Most say do not skim the head, replace all gaskets with good quality ones and replace water pump, expansion cap and belts at the same time.

I think they are good looking cars and the mid engine layout appeals to me.

For a grand they are good value IMO.

[jjohnson23]

If you have head gasket failure prepare to have lots of fun.
They are a lot more difficult to do on the MGF than on a Rover 200/400,access is hell.
Job in itself is straightforward though.

Edited by jjohnson23 on Thursday 20th April 15:56

[haddock82]

Yes HGF is an issue but despite the stigma and reputation it's not too bad

If it has been "done" check they used the uprated Land Rover lower rail (the bit the head bolts screw into) as this allows higher torque of the head onto the block

Also if it goes whilst you own it make sure you use a decent kit and, MASSIVELY important, get the liner heights checked. The cylinder liners have a tendancy to drop and no matter what gasket or kit or head skim anything, it'll go again if the liner heights are out of tolerance.

There are some special shims you can get to bring the liners back up to tolerance (about £25 for a set) so its not a big expense.

The "old" answer to head gasket failure on these was skim the head and slap a multi-shim gasket in. Evidence over the last 5 years or so shows this was not the answer! Get the job done by a specialist, not AN Other garage (who will only do the quick gasket change and or head skim). It seems that the heads can get porous, if so you're fooked and will need a new head no matter how much you skim it. Although this is rare and often the problem lies with the cylinder liners having dropped out of tolerance.

Much maligned and mickey taken engine but the K-Series, despite its reputation and design flaws (small coolant capacity) is a very good engine.

How do I know this? Owned 2 MGF's, turbo charged K-Series ZT, various K-Series powered Rovers etc. etc...! and work for major parts supplier for MG

Any questions feel free to ask

[haddock82]

Oh and the MGF has lovely hydrolastic suspension, which when old and tired can be a pain.

Maybe see if you can get the TF which uses conventional sprung suspension, but at the cost of a harsher ride.