Discussion
A colleague is fancying an open two seater instead of her gas guzzling 4x4 so I said that she needed to look at either the MX5 or the MG F (or TF; I don't know the difference)
Just as I said this, we passed an MGF and she's made her mind up. Ebay and Trader has loads and the price is right but opinion is divided on their reliability and their quality. The price range she has in mind will buy her a good 2003 / 2004 model.
Does anyone have any reliable information as to whether it would be a good or a bad idea?
Just as I said this, we passed an MGF and she's made her mind up. Ebay and Trader has loads and the price is right but opinion is divided on their reliability and their quality. The price range she has in mind will buy her a good 2003 / 2004 model.
Does anyone have any reliable information as to whether it would be a good or a bad idea?
I had a TF 190 bhp as a courtesy car for a while.
If it is dirt cheap (really dirt cheap) it is a reasonable way into open top motoring, but if she is looking at spending more than banger money get the MX5. MG isn't a bad car but MX5 is much better.
MX5 is miles better handing, performance (despite ~ 50bhp defecit), reliability, interior looks and comfort. Roof operation is better. Ergonomics are better.
MG looks a bit better (ish) and are available for back of the sofa money. That is their only advantage.
In short - If it is really really cheap take a punt. Otherwise go for the PH cliché and go for the Mazda.
If it is dirt cheap (really dirt cheap) it is a reasonable way into open top motoring, but if she is looking at spending more than banger money get the MX5. MG isn't a bad car but MX5 is much better.
MX5 is miles better handing, performance (despite ~ 50bhp defecit), reliability, interior looks and comfort. Roof operation is better. Ergonomics are better.
MG looks a bit better (ish) and are available for back of the sofa money. That is their only advantage.
In short - If it is really really cheap take a punt. Otherwise go for the PH cliché and go for the Mazda.
Thanks Madbadger,
The missis had an MX5 for a few years and it was faultless, and the reason I suggested it as an option but the colleague prefers the look and the price of the MG. They're a grand cheaper than a similar MX5 so either puts the price or the age up for the money she has.
It's not for me. It's for a woman who gets scared going round a roundabout with me driving so performance is not really an issue, nor is handling. It needs to look good with a blonde in it, not break down on the way to work and hopefully do more to the gallon than a Mitzy 4x4.
Good advice coming in though. I'm releived to have not heard anything like "don't buy one, the gearboxes are made of plasticine" or similar quotes.
The missis had an MX5 for a few years and it was faultless, and the reason I suggested it as an option but the colleague prefers the look and the price of the MG. They're a grand cheaper than a similar MX5 so either puts the price or the age up for the money she has.
It's not for me. It's for a woman who gets scared going round a roundabout with me driving so performance is not really an issue, nor is handling. It needs to look good with a blonde in it, not break down on the way to work and hopefully do more to the gallon than a Mitzy 4x4.
Good advice coming in though. I'm releived to have not heard anything like "don't buy one, the gearboxes are made of plasticine" or similar quotes.
?Cheers for the advice. I also got some advice about them from the garaage I use to build the rally cars. It was mainly head gasket orientated.
Aparently there's an upgrade kit you can buy which involvesa a rebuild but there's something that gous into the bottom of the engine, a steel head gasket as an addition to the standard gasket, and if it's all done correctly, you shouldn't have head gasket problems again. (I suppose they'll still fail eventually but not every 20k as is sometimes the case)
For info purposes here. I have been told that they're not exactly rust free but not really a problem (ie some rust, some don't) but are the better bet than an MX5 in that aspect. They are better specced than a Mazda and generally cheaper but the Mazda is a better drive and the engines are more resillliant.
On the strength of all this, she is having an MGF and taking the risk. A head gasket every year is cheaper than 22 to the gallon and she's a burd so wants an open top car.
Job jobbed. Cheers boys.
Aparently there's an upgrade kit you can buy which involvesa a rebuild but there's something that gous into the bottom of the engine, a steel head gasket as an addition to the standard gasket, and if it's all done correctly, you shouldn't have head gasket problems again. (I suppose they'll still fail eventually but not every 20k as is sometimes the case)
For info purposes here. I have been told that they're not exactly rust free but not really a problem (ie some rust, some don't) but are the better bet than an MX5 in that aspect. They are better specced than a Mazda and generally cheaper but the Mazda is a better drive and the engines are more resillliant.
On the strength of all this, she is having an MGF and taking the risk. A head gasket every year is cheaper than 22 to the gallon and she's a burd so wants an open top car.
Job jobbed. Cheers boys.
My girlfriend has had both a MGF and MX5 and would definitely recommend the MX5 for reliability. T-reg and the only non-consumable work done was the alternator at 90k. Where as the MGF had head gasket fail and was in the garage quite often.
My next door neighbour has an 03 MGF and I've lost count of the number of times it's been taken away on a flatbed.
My next door neighbour has an 03 MGF and I've lost count of the number of times it's been taken away on a flatbed.
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