1997 MG F Reviews

Head gasket failure at 134,000 miles.

Head gasket failure at 134,500 miles.

Head gasket failure at 135,000 miles on brand new engine with upgraded HG, etc.

Water pump leak.

Cambelt went, bent valves.

Block cracked due to leaking water pump.

Corrosion at subframe mounting points.

Exhaust flexi joint.

Lambda sensor.

Backbox totally rusted out.

Catalytic converter disintegrated.

Trim loose and easily broken.

Radio stopped working.

Driver's window loose and lets in rain.

Hood doesn't close properly and leaks.

Ball joints need replacing every couple of years.

Underfloor coolant pipes rusted through.

New underfloor coolant pipes rusted through.

Sensors and ECU's randomly fail.

Loads more.

The car keeps in the tradition of British made car, in their quirkiness and their unshakable unreliability.

A standard car that wasn't built to last, with an engine that wasn't tested or developed properly. Not fast, and handling isn't really that great; at the bottom of the list in all departments compared to MX5's, MR2's, etc. A fact that is often questioned, but is true I'm afraid.

If you buy one, you will be constantly paying out for repairs. Fans of the car seem to be blind to this, and also to the awful reliability of the engine, but I can no longer keep paying out for it.

Constantly checking the coolant temp gauge level and hoping the water is still at the same level, just isn't worth it for a very normal, under-developed car.

The fast speed on my window wipers didn't work when I bought the car.

The right window has stopped working, window glass just fell down 1 day!

Leaks in rain or when washing, but hardly ever!

The display light on the oil indicator has never worked.

This car is the second car I have owned. I bought a Fiesta Ghia 1.1 when I was 18. I am now 22, and bought a second hand MGF VVC 1.8i 6 months ago. I love this car. The thing that drew me to it were its looks, and the speed!

The first thing I noticed was that the petrol went down rather quickly compared to other petrol cars. But I have since discovered that driving sensibly, the fuel is fine... Drive like a nutter, the fuel's gonna go!

It hardly ever leaks, corners amazingly, and is quite pokey; when you put your foot down, you're gone!!!

I think I will keep this car for a few years, or for as long as I can. It has given me no major problems so far, so who am I to say it's unreliable!!! People who drive like idiots, should know that their car is going to break. Have fun, but be careful, you'll be fine!!!

Any opinions, below please :)

Handbrake warning light flickered on and off.

Heater temperature control knob broke.

Started to idle at 1300rpm.

Reggie, as my red MG was christened, was great fun in the three years I owned it. He was quick, reliable and fantastic to drive around the Yorkshire Dales, the Devon hills and the Cheshire countryside.

He was also exciting to take around the circuit in Anglesey, as featured on TV's 'Fifth Gear' programme.

Only a few niggling little faults came to light, which I am sure will be easily fettled by the dealer before he goes to a good home.

Reggie has now been replaced with Reggie the Second - a Solar Red MG TF160 Sprint, which is even better...