23 replies to this topic

[MiniGrin]

Hi all, im looking to buy an MGTF 1.8 none vvc as a daily driver to save my mini from the 70 mile daily commute. 

I know the head gaskets are an issue, and I know its about £700 to fix one with this issue. I know that a tell tail sign of this issue milky residue in the coolant. 

Does anyone know of any other things to watch out for on this car, common issues, what to check, and advice on it.

Thanks, James.

[stevearch0]

if you find one with the head gasket done, make sure its had the modified head gasket. the ones ive used in the past are a landrover part for the freelander, as they run the same 1.8 lump. havent had one go again since :0)

[Jordie]

The uprated gasket kits are good. But they can still blow if the coolant system isnt working as it should.

 

MGF's are a pain to work on, most normal jobs are that much more difficult due to access.

 

Mayo in the oil cap and dipstick is sign of head issues. Along with oil in the water. If you run the engine, remove the cap and check for excessive bubbling and it may overflow the expansion bottle.....a usual sign of the compression entering the water ways....blown head gasket.

[psmini]

I had a non vvc F a few years back as my daily and loved it. Underrated and cheap fun car. I stupidly trusted the previous owner when he said the cambelt had been done. It broke and bent a couple of valves but I got it sorted along with a new HG for about £400 (mates rates). I thin knows the time to buy one, the values are rock bottom.

[Badboytunes]

A friend of mine had one, what a pile of crap. It leaked terribly, the immobiliser constantly played up, as did other lectrics, the coolant pipes under the car were troublesome  and he had many engine issues. Id rather get an MX5

[Tamworthbay]

A friend of mine had one, what a pile of crap. It leaked terribly, the immobiliser constantly played up, as did other lectrics, the coolant pipes under the car were troublesome  and he had many engine issues. Id rather get an MX5

I looked at them a year back, so many had issues of one sort or another it was scary. And access is a nightmare on them. So I bought an MX5, dirt cheap, completely reliable and a doddle to work on. I still love the MGF but couldn't have one as a daily. Just too much of a risk.

[Chance]

I love these cars...die hard mg rover fan so I may have rose tinted glasses

stainless steel coolant pipes are available to buy..the ones underneath

Id buy one if I could insure one at 20

If it still has the plastic rear screen it will probably be cloudy...they can be polished to improve it but not the best

Glass rear screens can be bought

Just make sure there are no coolant leaks and if the gasket has been changed to and uprated version it should be okay

[Sam]

They do look quite smart, but the head gasket is always going to be an issue (even if it's been upgraded with the newer gasket if the engine overheated before).

 

MX5 is so much better. It's a proper sports car too, whereas the MGF is built with Metro subframes??

[Chance]

Your telling me the metro isn't a sports car damn hahah...don't tell my metro that

OP if your set on an MG I'll say there's nothing wrong with them if looked after

Use correct oil and coolant
Fix any coolant leaks that appear straight away
Always let the car warm up before unleashing its Kseries goodness
And it should be fine

Check levels every week and if it needs anything on the coolant system renewing do it sooner rather than later and it should be fine :)

[MiniGrin]

Thanks for the help guys :)

i had thought about an MR2 or MX5, more reliable , yes, but to me they are both pretty dull to look at, the engines are alot less poky, 

interiors are also just like any other modern car, the MG on the other hand just seems a little better looking to my eye, a little quicker, stiffer, nicer inside and just more fun XD Its worth the possible head gasket cost for it all.

Didnt know about the subframes! So the F and TF are in some ways related to the mini.... ish. Must check them for rust then. 
And the dreaded head gasket, check the cap, check for bubbles when cold, shouldn't leek oil onto the ground.
Check the belt.

Anything else?
 

[Badboytunes]

Anything else?
 

 

 

Yeah don't buy one. LOL

 

Seriously though, if its what you want, go and get one, using the info on here as a guide. With regards to the interior I think they look like any other mid 90's Rover/Honda.

 

The Mazda is proven as a better drivers car but the choice is yours.

[Tamworthbay]

Thanks for the help guys :)
i had thought about an MR2 or MX5, more reliable , yes, but to me they are both pretty dull to look at, the engines are alot less poky, 
interiors are also just like any other modern car, the MG on the other hand just seems a little better looking to my eye, a little quicker, stiffer, nicer inside and just more fun XD Its worth the possible head gasket cost for it all.
Didnt know about the subframes! So the F and TF are in some ways related to the mini.... ish. Must check them for rust then. 
And the dreaded head gasket, check the cap, check for bubbles when cold, shouldn't leek oil onto the ground.
Check the belt.
Anything else?

Not sure what mx5 you have looked at but mk1s will keep up with any MGF and the interiors aren't like any modern car. Get to the twisties and MGFs are history.

[cradley-heathen]

i had a really nice mgf when i first met my missis. loved it and wuld have another one in a heartbeat if i had the money/space.

 

i have woorked on tons of them (used to work at a rover specialist) yes access isnt great but its not that bad for service work, just more fiddly on head removal.

 

i have to admit the "k-series headgasket failure" thing gets on my nerves a bit. i have done over 100 of them im sure and i have never had oone come back that failed again. the mistake is just changing the gasket and not looking at why it went, it didnt fail for no reason, there is a leak/blockage/knackered thermostat/knackered water pump etc. you gotta find out which!

 

i know beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder, but i must admit i think the MGF is the better looking car of the three mentioned.

 

finally, if you buy a really dirty cheap one expect it to be a pain in the arse! use your head and DONT buy one that some spotty little oik hasnt been thrashing aroound in. these cars are quite often owned by mature drivers, buy a car from one of them!

[MiniGrin]

How much would you general have charged/charge for a head gasket repair on the TF, given the head wasn't damaged too?

[Mk1Dave]

I would go for an mg f with out thinking twice. There not that hard to work on. On all the ones I've seen worked on The body doesn't seem to rust as quick as an mx5. Had to repair more mx5 sills then I have mini ones. All the mx5s I've come into contact with leak water through the roof and don't find them as comfy. But they are both great fun to drive

Edited by Mk1Dave, 10 September 2014 - 08:46 PM.