mgtf 160 - cheap mx5 alternative or pile of junk?

[ED209]

looking through various classifieds and mgtf 160's seem to be a lot cheaper than some older less powerful mx5's. Is this because they are crap? Or would the mgtf make a decent summer toy for chucking round some b roads now and again?

Would one be a money pit at 2k or under?

[Krikkit]

A friend has had one for two years and loves it - he bought it and had the head gasket done as a preventative measure with the uprated metal one and longer head bolt mod from a LR, it's been very reliable and he loves it for some B-road chucklable fun.

[The Don of Croy]

Whilst I like the MGTF as a proposal, I voted with my wallet and bought an MR2.

Too many HGF stories around the 'TF, plus usual queries over build quality etc (awaits descent of Abingdon defenders to tear these heinous comments to shreds)...

MX5 seems to be the choice for trouble free wind-in-the-hair motoring, but at least the Toyota adds mid-engined balance (or lack of it) in to the mix.

[Bluebarge]

For an informed opinion - ask on here
http://forums.mg-rover.org/forumdisplay.php?f=12

IMHO, they are decent cars, great performance for the cash and fairly cheap to run. People will moan about HGF, but the new MLS gasket sorts this and can be fitted for about £400, if not fitted already or the current gasket lets go. There are plenty of good mobile mechanics and MG specialists who can keep these on the road for not much money.

£2k sould get a reasonable one.

[StottyZr]

I almost bought one a few months back, silver, 2 owners from new, full service history and £1800 asking price. It had already had the HG changed something like 15,000 miles ago. Absolute bargain, 0-60 in 6.9secs and 38mpg.

The problems I understand are the front end tends to wash out, even under power and the handling isn't the best (I'd expect a set of well set up coilovers would sort this issue though)

I say, go for it.

[The Don of Croy]

Having just looked at your previous cars in the garage, your experience (MG TF and MX5) is obviously more germane than mine.

What did you think when you had one?

[ED209]

The Don of Croy said:

Having just looked at your previous cars in the garage, your experience (MG TF and MX5) is obviously more germane than mine.

What did you think when you had one?

I had a mgtf 135 back in 2002 from new, It was ok but a bit tiresome as a daily driver.However back then i was more of a poseur than an enthusiastic driver!

This time im not looking for a daily driver though but a cheap toy, mx5 remains favourite but with the mg you seem to get a lot more for your wedge. I know the 160 has a bit more poke and better brakes but whats it like for chucking about and running costs?

[carparkno1]

We had the little 1.6, which didn't have comparable power, but was already HGF fixed.

Great car. Build quality was a bit wretched, but roof down, B road driving in the sun was fab. Not fast, but infinitely chuckable!

[scoobykev15]

bought my tf 160 off ebay a couple of years ago with a bust gasket. steel gasket fitted along with timing belt kit, pump,radiator and underfloor pipes,4 new toyo proxes tyres and it owes me coppers over 2 grand.it does over 35 mpg and goes very well indeed.it corners with less roll than my old imprezas, the only downside being a quite hard ride.its a nice feeling on a summers day jumping into a 160bhp convertible that stands me so little money