Would you buy an MGF with HGF?

[Kev946]

I've been offered an MGF and the owning says they can't afford to fix the Head Gasket. Is it worth tkaing the risk if the price is right. In other words the cost to buy plus say £700 is still a good saving.

Just worried that there could be permanent damage and how would I assess this?

The car is a 2000 1.8, (not advertised as a VVC), so what's it worth fixed also.

Thanks
K

[Kev946]

I don't want 2.

I've not heard of permanent damage but wondered if anyone here had. I had a LR Tdi which blew the head gasket, also common fault. And provided you didn't drive it until all the oil had gone, (diesels burn the oild quite nicely, you were OK.

Providing you accept the risk it seems like a nice way to get a cheap car with a fresh head gasket.

[Kev946]

How far can a car with HGF be driven safely?

[Kev946]

wadgebeast said:

Kev946 said:

How far can a car with HGF be driven safely?

IF you can get the thing to start, then you'll be lucky if you can get it a mile or two until it gets up to temperature and all of the water disappears as vapour out of the gap between the gasket and the head. Round about that point, the engine temp will go through the roof, the oil will thin and you'll seize the engine.....

Don't do it. Arrange a tow.

That's what I thought. Thanks

[Kev946]

OK I'm going to look at the car. It overheated 2 weeks ago and hasn't been driven since other than to diagnose HGF by a garage.

What should I budget for, e.g. Remote Thermostat upgrade, new metal radiotor pipes?

[Kev946]

OK, got cold feet and I've ended up buy a car which is lower Mileage and probable cheaper in the long run.

I've bought a 2000 W reg 1.8 with 26k miles for £2.7k

Still thinking on the PRT for it though, as the parts only cost £70.