1997 MG F VVC review from UK and Ireland

I bought the car on the cheap with a blown head gasket at a record 30000 miles. Easy repair, got one of the new shimmed and head gasket sets, these are guaranteed to last. Car now runs very well, but they are just cheap, cheap, cheap.

I always liked the looks, just bought the car for a summer time laugh, its very clean, no rust and full service history, and a rare air con option.

Don't expect any build quality, you'll never find it, rover never under stood the meaning for the term. Inside it's plastic city, which is OK in a modern car that uses foam and rubber sound deadning materials, and anti-squeak pads... rover did'nt... they squeak and rattle every where.

The suspension is pre-historic (based on and used many components from the allegro), hydro-gas He, He, he what a joke, it's like sitting in a gokart, very very harsh. The only time it handles OK, is on very smooth road.

The amount of air gaps round the hood is shocking, however mines had no water leaks.

Fuel economy was OK at around 36mpg.

Even with the VVC engine they are not a quick car, they never have been, the body and chassis could never handle it.

If youve got one - sell it!!!

If not - don't buy one!!!

If your going to get one, go for the TF 2001 onwards, they have coil spring suspension, new looks, and revised engines, still with head gasket failures tho.