1996 MG F 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Not perfect, but I love my MGF

Faults:

Nothing major other than wear and tear due to the age of the car.

Have replaced the cat, tyres, coolant hoses and rear window.

Replaced cam belt and water pump for piece of mind.

I replaced the seats due to wear on the driver's seat which was again age related.

Have refilled the suspension system once since I owned it, and it has been fine since.

The car had been badly neglected prior to buying, and once these items had been sorted, it has served me well with regular fluid checks on the engine and routine servicing.

General Comments:

It is rather dated and not everyone's cup of tea, but I absolutely love it. No more maintenance required than any other newer car that I have owned. Fun to drive and very addictive.

I dread the day that it finally dies on me. Hoping to keep it for many years to come with the TLC that I give it now, but when it finally dies, I will look for another.

Not perfect, but full of personality and very easy to fall in love with driving.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th February, 2016

2nd Jun 2016, 10:30

Hi, I just bought a 1996 MG. However the suspension is very hard. Do you have any clues how I can get a softer ride? Much appreciated if anyone could advise me?

1996 MG F VVi 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

I love it but it's a labour of love

Faults:

Massive water leaks into the cabin.

Split rear window.

Zip came off rear window.

Door window stop broken.

Clock bulb missing.

Oil and water leaks.

Rear light fell out of its mounts and fell off.

Driver door card fell apart.

Endless squeaks and rattles.

Radiator completely worn out and replaced.

Misfires sometimes.

Suspension was deflated when purchased.

Heater doesn't work on 1 and 2.

Centre heater vent broken.

General Comments:

After all that, it's only a weekend car, and I love the thing.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th October, 2012

1996 MG F VVC 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great to drive, but not so great to own

Faults:

Broke down less than one month after I bought it. The car had 26,000 miles on the clock and the fault was due to ignition failure. The ignition was replaced under warranty.

Due to various engine problems broke down seven times in two years.

Air conditioning failed after 33,000 miles.

CD player ejection button stopped working a few weeks before I sold the car.

General Comments:

Had lots of mechanical and electrical problems and wasn't the best built car in the world, but it was great to drive and inexpensive to run.

Paid £11,000 for it when it was 2 years old and sold it less than 2 years later for £7,000.

But I'd never have one again because the quality is not up to scratch.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd January, 2006

1996 MG F 1.8 MPi 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great as a second or summer car - not great as a daily drive

Faults:

Constantly lost coolant although nobody knew where to becasue it never seemed to overheat. Very disheartening though.

Various bits fell off IE oil dipstick tube and the whole interior fell apart.

Seats ripped, sun visors fell off, carpets didn't fit.

Key-fob pathetic.

Roof never fitted properly around windows, which also went up too far.

Previous owner had rebuilt engine after gasket blew and head warped, still didn't seem right.

Generally, the whole car felt like it was going to fall apart.

General Comments:

Despite the various trim problems and the worrying amount of coolant being lost, the car is very Jekyll and Hyde.

In the dry with the top down it sounds fantastic, goes like a true sports car, handles like a dream and looks amazing.

In the wet with the top up, you can't see where you're going or where you've been and it goes sideways quicker than forwards.

You're always very warm though, really good heating.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th December, 2005

1996 MG F 1.8i sports convertible from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The MGF acts its price

Faults:

Fan electrics stopped working and caused the car to overheat.

Suspension weakened quite quickly.

Leaks through the windows.

General Comments:

For the price I paid, I was very happy with the quality I got.

I did not pay much and thus did not expect much.

I was prepared for the trouble I got from the car because its price tag did not require me to take out a mortgage.

However, the MGF drove well and I felt like I was driving a cheap ferrari, which is what it was in essence.

I was very proud to own the MGF and don't regret it for one minute because the prices I paid on services, which were quite high, reflected the low price I paid for it originally.

All in all, the car took corners well, the engine felt like Gazza only just past his peak, it looked and felt sexy when topless and I didn't lose much money when I sold it on.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th July, 2004