"Free" MGF

[daytonavrs]

So I now own a pretty tidy "free" MGF
So good so far. Cosmetically very nice, just cleaned inside too which was bit grubby and looking like new.

Downsides, its a 15 yr old car so needs some attention:
Electric windows both sides ( drives moves, but stuck top, passenger not at all, fuse not blown)
Hydragas is very low, maybe removal for nitrogen refill modification.
Roof is ripped, need to either find new plastic or replacement zip in window.
Bit of emulsification on top of dip, nothng on the oily bit though? But no HG change so maybe needs upgrated
Uprated cooling a good idea
Bloody good service ?

I suppose how much work I can do myself may dictate how "free" this will be

[mgtony]

Sounds like it should have been cheaper!

[SystemParanoia]

you definitely overpaid

Ferengi rules of acquisition number 11

Edited by SystemParanoia on Thursday 13th April 09:55

[Hoofy]

I thought my "free" one was bad. When I drive quickly, my legs get cold.

[Expatloon]

There is not enough FREE in the world to persuade me to be seen dead in an MGF, they were a complete fraud and an unforgivable degradation of the once proud marque.

[Hoofy]

Expatloon said:

There is not enough FREE in the world to persuade me to be seen dead in an MGF, they were a complete fraud and an unforgivable degradation of the once proud marque.

Marque aside, my MGF is a real experience. I have driven round a local system with a series of roundabouts for half an hour. It was so much fun. Then I drove home. The hydragas is half empty so it's rock solid and I can go round fast enough to make me nervous and it still doesn't break traction in the dry. It's like an Elise.

I used to think MGFs were a bit naff and girlie but this is a proper driver's car.

Edited by Hoofy on Saturday 20th April 12:48

[steve51800]

I have a trophy 160 as my everyday driver, every journey gives you a grin, properly sorted with decent rubber and it just sticks and stays true in the bends way faster than expected.

sounds like it's a bit of condensation on the dipstick from standing, give it a service and fresh oil and take it for a good blast to get it warm and it will clear up.
rear window is an easy fix, google mgf mania for a new panel, takes about 20 minutes max to swap out.
there is a company the refurbishes the hydra gas units, google search should find them, other than that enjoy,, I regularly get 40 to 45 mpg from mine.

[SloppyClock]

I had a TF for 3 years. Lovely, lovely car. Very economical to run, good sizable boot and sounded lovely with a custom exhaust on it - like a proper British sports car. Miss her dearly.


[url]

|https://thumbsnap.com/921vgoU4[/url]

[daytonavrs]

I think this thread needs an update.
I was probably being a bit unkind the first time around not really knowing what I was getting myself into
But I have put some effort into resto and used very lightly but she does to well

Was on 17k
Currently 18k - still low miles!
Its a mk2 VVC so probably helps a bit and possibly one of the last of the mk2 VVC to be built before they started doing trophies? Does share similar components like mems3, bigger airbox, alloy TBs etc



Had new tyres all round
Timing / belts changed
Servicing - the lot air, sparkies, oil etc
Kmaps tuned
All the minor electrical issues were sorted, windows work fine now
Fitted a low coolant alarm
Fully refurbished the regassed the hydragas suspension units
I fixed a split in the roof plastic and good is good but have my sights on a solid glass window in time, I also have a solid roof however don't really use it.

Does not seem to have HGF so its okay, it seems it was JUST condensation ( he had stopped using the car but was just starting it up periodically and this must have been part). He told me of one overheating incident which led me to concern of imminent HGF - but it hasn't happened and he since told me I was stupid for assuming it would be HGF. Fair enough.

So my dad was right actually this is pretty mint albeit he covered. Its pretty much rust free all around the body and cills etc just got to keep an eye on rest of the underneath.
Its still on the original cooling pipes which arent that bad ( where most have gone by now) which is a good sign of the cars cleanliness, but I will change for the stainless pipes in time.

In many respects its more fun than my now 300hp+ Octavia, drives nicely actually ( well I suppose it should do its closer to a newer car than most).
From what I understand the prices should be going up so the detractors know what they can do

What next? Some K series porting perhaps? Turbo or supercharging , 5 shot or porting etc? Nice to push the power. Already surprised one older BMW driver probably a 520 or something lol

Edited by daytonavrs on Saturday 9th February 10:55

[daytonavrs]

I have NO intentions of parting with this car - this is a hand me down keeper.

However for reference I imagine one of the premium MG specialists would probably be pushing for something like £6k for this yes? ( privately a lot less more like half that lol, they seem to take the piss a bit but mint ones with lower miles are becoming harder to find )

[Ginge R]

If the F was Japanese, or German, we’d be falling over ourselves praising it. But because it’s British, and a MG, we sniff disdainfully at it.

[daytonavrs]

Currently KMaps so should be pushing 160hp, I drive it carefully to temperature but can be interesting when you rag it and the handling is very interesting but not in a bad way.

Would like to do even more, perhaps further engine work but cheap and easy hp isn't great to come by with the K is it ? May explore this but I probably won't go the VVC mech direction.
Actually missed a TT supercharger that went for silly money recently :/

Really does sound great with the Daytona exhaust its paired with......I'm not the Barry kind so will just drive it as is too but just making a few tweaks here or there.....no massive rear spoilers or lairy artwork to be seen here.

Its been treated to more suited red and black leather seats, came with matching steering wheel, gaitors .....and get this......Anna Friel was on the v5 that the breaker showed me on this black MG.......lol. The one and only ? I actually bought her seats ?? sniff sniff. Or maybe just some similar namesake lols
For the sum of £180......you can actually probably still buy some kind of MG for that :/ Although not this one with 18K still and a mk2 with mems3 and a VVC engine

But I'm chuffed it really should have come like this. The part leather black and cloth just didn't really work

[Pericoloso]

Where's the poster who said 2 years ago ,"wouldn't be seen dead in an MGF "?

Crazy fool !

[olliethehut]

Bloody loved my MGF and came onto this forum whilst reminiscing about it.
It wasn't the quickest, it wasn't the best handling and yes, it looked like a Phillips ladyshave.
But it was an open topped sports car, it was mid engined!, it had cheap insurance, it was fairly cheap to service, it sounded good with an aftermarket exhaust.
It wasn't a better car than the MX5 that followed it, but it was so much more of an event and experience.
Now 15yrs later I'm very tempted to go back and have another!

[daytonavrs]

Just get one, there are plenty about and cheap as chips for now plenty where they need a bit of work selling £500ish ( more the munters) although cleaner or more unusual examples or mint far more.
There is one for everybodys price range depending on if you are up for a bit of work.

I spent upwards of 1k on mine that was "free" as mentioned but I don't regret it but this one was worth it I think as a late model vvc mems2 (closer to the TF benefits) and next to no miles, currently still 19k.

People who usually cry about spending a bit of money on cars are the ones running them into the ground and scrapping cars that could be avoided