Would I be mad? Considering an MG convertible

Dime_Bar

I vote MG F or TF do you reasearch and know what to look for when buying i.e. signs of headgasket failure, usual issue points and general condition.

Do not be put of by the general publics view of what we in the BMC/BL/AR/RG & MGR ( thats British Motor Corperation / British Leyland / Austin Rover / Rover Group and MG Rover ) community call "HERITAGE" most of thise "features" have been solved by enthusiasts and can be done quite easily with a little know how, some help from a friend and a sprinking of swearing.

There is a big community out there and you will never be stuck for parts or advise, head over to austin-rover.co.uk to see what ots all about.

As we say "What price CLASS"

Dime_Bar

Have a look here

For all those who say go for a MX5 I think these 2 pictures show how much a better looking car the MGF is. ( both cars are on ebay for approx £3000 )

Stephb1986_2

The mgf is slightly better looking more modern than the mx5

I have a hard top convertible the roof doesnt leak no road noise really and great in all weathers, ive not noticed the greasy hair though, or getting sunburnt as of yet but im sure i'll look forward to all them

Steph xx

goldspanners

heres what cars advise.
mx-5
http://www.whatcar.com/used-car-summary.aspx?RT=2275&type=1


mgf
http://www.whatcar.com/used-car-summary.aspx?RT=2304&type=1

note the star ratings and spanner ratings.

it says a lot i think.

marc.faulkner

Thanks for all of your comments.

I'm going to try and test drive a couple this weekend (an F, a TF and an MX-5) and see what I think...

cyclonebri1

Just lift the engine cover on the MG :eek: and see if you can find the engine. Accessibility wasn't even an after thought at Rover.

Plus the MX5 is just more fun to drive.

jonathon

go mg a great car future classic. if it wasnt for the kids i would have one now.

stumpjumper

i've got an MX5 - a 1995 mk1 with the pop up lights (like the red one in the picture above)

i did look at the alternatives when buying - MGF/TF and Mr2 (Mk3) - but prefered the MX5 - IMHO its better looking, and i prefer the seating position: much lower in the car than the MG (feel more sitting IN the car, rather than ON the car.

Both cars need their engines revving to get the best out of them - the '5 comes alive above 4k rpm... right upto the point the limiter kicks in at just over 7k.

i can say - the '5 is very reliable and cheap to run, mines done 114k miles and is 13 years old. Things that needed replacing is the hood (knew that when buying) £300 fitted myself, clutch slave cylinder - £40 again done myself, new clutch at 110k miles, new exhaust after the origonal one rusted away (was the origonal mazda exhaust that had lasted nearly 12 years)
its still on its Mazda origonal battery, never failed to start, and seems to go on and on. and is great fun to drive.
Decent boot - we go camping most weekends - ok we cant carry as much as we do as when using the Saab estate - but its suprising what you can fit in that boot, and behind the seats on the parcel shelf

parts availablity for both the MG and Mazda are good - and theres excellent owners clubs for both cars - which will help when diagnosing problems.. or just handy hints.
with any K series rover engine - checking the coolant level religously will ensure you spot potencial or better avoid the dreaded head gasket failure (ie get something sorted as soon as you spot it loosing coolant)

have fun finding the one for you.

goldspanners

jonathon wrote: »

go mg a great car future classic. if it wasnt for the kids i would have one now.

i doubt this.
the mx-5 is already in classic status. and quite rightly so, they also hold thier price really well,an older version wont loose much nowadays,infact if you buy one in the winter and sell it in the summer you will probably make money on it.
both cars are girly,but i do have a soft spot for the mazda,i would have one but my mates slagged me for just saying they were nice cars, they know nothing about cars.

cyclonebri1

jonathon wrote: »

go mg a great car future classic. if it wasnt for the kids i would have one now.

Sorry, but no, at least not in the same vein as the MX5. This is a legend in its own lunchtime so to speak.:T