Seriously though - ignore the anti MGR feeling here and try one. You will be pleasantly surprised.

John, I've been out in a TF and I was shocked at just how bad and dated it was. Shame as I was prepared to like it, but imho, it just can't compete with the other roadster offerings from the Japanese!

Chris

Thanks for the comments guys, MR2 or MX5 it is, then!

My dear old mum had an MGF - actually two; the first was demolished by a Parcelforce van. I found them quite fun to drive and comfy enough but rather rattly and the roof could be a pig to get open just because of the weight. Both of hers were perfectly reliable - I know the K series had a bad reputation but I gather that there's a lot of misinformation and superstition about them which isn't wholly deserved.

MGFs are driven by 'chaps' who like to talk about their cars, MR2s and MX5s are driven by people who like to drive their cars.

Oh and hairdressers

Seriously, I used to have an MX5 and I loved it.

In the summer it's interesting to see MGFs usually have the hood up, MX5s usually down. No idea why.

What would scare me away from MG/Rovers is what happens when you try to trade them.

We had a guy want to part exchange a six month old ZS (is that the sallony type?). He paid

Both of hers were perfectly reliable - I know the K series had a bad reputation but I gather that there's a lot of misinformation and superstition about them which isn't wholly deserved.

Trust me when I say that having been in charge of a department looking at and analysing in service vehicle failures for many of the major European manufacturers and some US and Japanese companys for for 3 years, I would not buy MG. I still keep plenty of contacts in the field and still know what not to buy. They are cheap for a reason.

As Chris said above, the driving experience is way short of the Japanese competition as well.

Chris

Well, that's the problem.

Everyone says "They're incredibly unreliable - trust me", but no-one seems willing to provide any actual evidence. I do not necessarily dispute that they were unreliable, but I find the refusal of most of the people making that claim to back it up rather odd.

I was also under the impression from various people in the motor trade that the root issue that caused the problem (something to do with dowels?) was solved - Landrover modified their engines under warranty, though Rover refused to acknowledge anything was wrong.

Well, that's the problem.

Everyone says "They're incredibly unreliable - trust me", but no-one seems willing to provide any actual evidence. I do not necessarily dispute that they were unreliable, but I find the refusal of most of the people making that claim to back it up rather odd.

I was also under the impression from various people in the motor trade that the root issue that caused the problem (something to do with dowels?) was solved - Landrover modified their engines under warranty, though Rover refused to acknowledge anything was wrong.

It is not just the MGF. The whole approach to the quality assurance engineering end was desperately flawed with MG / Rover. BMWs influence helped with some of the products, but not many. There are manufacturers who design cars to be easily manufactured and reliable, then there are manufacturers who design cars to utilise existing components in imaginitive ways to avoid re engineering costs. The MGF is a classic example of this. It even used Hydragas units on the non TF models. The reliability issues spring from parts being used outside of the original design brief capabilities. Rover and Range rover when it was under Rover control were the single biggest offenders for this by a factor x10 over any other manufacturers we assessed. Very normal for them would be to specify a component for one model, then use that same component across several models where operating conditions were totally different. When it went wrong, the part supplier would be held responsible for supplying duff components.

I have sat next to the Chairman of Rover and explained to him why the component should not have been utilised as it had after running an on site and Gaydon proving ground investigation and found a component rated with a maximum service temperature of 90 deg C designed for a lorry trailer was being used at 180 deg C in a Range Rover, his car having suffered a failure. He grudgingly understood and it kept the suppiler out of court for a seven figure recall bill, which as no one else would pick up the tab was never initiated. The duff cars are still out there as we post.

To put it in perspective, the majority of my job was with PSA group, not renowned for quality either but for different reasons, and I would seriously consider buying a PSA group car over an MG any day.

I know plenty of mechanics who would not buy them and plenty of car dealers that dont want them. There must be a reason in that lot somewhere?

Chris

I seem to remember when all the headgasket problems came to light, people had trouble getting the work done under warranty depending on which vehicle it was fitted too. My friends MGF was done under warranty, but other models weren't.

I know plenty of mechanics who would not buy them and plenty of car dealers that dont want them. There must be a reason in that lot somewhere?

I would imagine so, but I do still think that there's an element of overplaying it. The guy who serviced my car, back when I had a Rover 214si, seemed to think they were pretty good cars overall. That said, I saw the chap who bought it from me just over a year ago yesterday and apparently the head gasket has gone.:sorry:

I had a Rover 216 and I had the CH gasket go on that.

My mate has a MGF and he has had the same problem but this time twice it happened. Stay away from them!

I had a Rover 216 and I had the CH gasket go on that.

My mate has a MGF and he has had the same problem but this time twice it happened. Stay away from them!

Thinking about what I said regarding engineering costs, the 1.4 K series is a fine and reliable engine. Was it not the case that the K series was originally designed to be 1.4 L then subsequently stretched and stretched again. I rest my case your honour.

Chris

I think that may have something to do with it. I know that in the Caterham R500, the engine kicks out 260hp, but needs rebuilding every 3k miles!

A mate of mine (who also lives in Preston) may soon be selling his Y reg MR2 for around the figure you mentoned. I'll have a word with him and PM you if you'd be interested.

Thinking about what I said regarding engineering costs, the 1.4 K series is a fine and reliable engine. Was it not the case that the K series was originally designed to be 1.4 L then subsequently stretched and stretched again. I rest my case your honour.

Chris

Then my mechanic might have been referring to my 214si specifically, rather than the 200s in general. (lightbulb lights over head)

I had a Rover 216 Gsi with the k series and I must say that with 2 years of punishment (I was young then) it worked like a dream.

A mate of mine (who also lives in Preston) may soon be selling his Y reg MR2 for around the figure you mentoned. I'll have a word with him and PM you if you'd be interested.

Yes I would be very interested, please keep me posted!

TJ, were you checking out the Silver TF that pulled up next to you at the lights by the enterance (McDonalds one) to the docks this evening?

I did look at it a bit, yes...Where were you? In the 04 Aero Convertible?

Oh I feel all 'spotted' now

I did look at it a bit, yes...Where were you? In the 04 Aero Convertible?

Oh I feel all 'spotted' now

Ha, I wish.... was in the Silver Megane just behind you :(

Spotted you were..........

I bet you thought I was going to race him off the lights?

I usually drive quite sensibly TBH....

I know of a tidy MR2 GT for 3 grand for sale on another forum. I can give you a number if you like.

I wouldnt mind a link to the post on that forum, ta

bit late in the day but I guess you have you answer.

I'd forget one if I was you. badly set up over weight and as reliable as most rovers! HGF is common and to replace it will be a engine drop job.

Yeah ok the engine is good when it works but like all K units it will let you down.

The more views the better mate.

I think it will definately be MX5 or MR2 now though, MR2 (Mk3) will handle better, MX5 will be more fun (slippy!)