Annoni_mouse Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 I owned a TF until recently, and i have to say it was one of, if not the best car I have ever owned. Fun to drive, economical and reliable, if you dont need space and rear seating, you could do a lot worse. The head gasket problems can be a problem, but it depends on which model you go for. I had the 1.6 version which has a very good record and rarely suffers from the HG failures, however the 1.8 VVC engine is more susceptible. Having said that, I have also owned a Rover 200VI which uses the same engine, and again, I never had any problems with regards to the head gasket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paranoid Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 I owned a TF until recently, and i have to say it was one of, if not the best car I have ever owned wow. i wouldn't go that far! glad you enjoyed it though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
convert Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 I've had two F's in the past, great fun cars. The biggest worry is the head gasket, closely followed by other minor engine problems - the engine bay is very restricted so labour tends to be high for things like clutches and the like. If someone says "don't worry, the head gasket's been done", doesn't mean it will not go again. The Rover MG forums have tales of some cars with HGF happened three or four times. As for parts, they no longer make Ford Capri's or Morris Minors but you can still get parts for them, so just because Rover are no longer going doesn't mean you can't get parts. Whether the TF is better than the F is a subject hotly debated. Many say the TF was refined, but it's also said that the TF is much harder on the poor roads of Britain - so in Sheffield they'll be even worse! The MX5 is definitely a hairdressers car, it has a girly look and a girly following (plus is very small inside). The MGF has decent leg room and far more male enthusiasts and support (just see the male to female ratio on the forum or at a local owners club). Sorry I have to disagree re the MX5, it has much better balanced chassis than either the F or the TF, some might think they are a bit 'Toni & Guy', but in enthusiasts circles the MX5 beats the MG's, albeit by only a small margin. Lots of folks use MX5's as track day tools. Don't see many F's or TF's on the circuits though. I have to say all the F's and TF's I've driven seemed a little gutless, especially when compare to the 1.8 MX5. I looked at quite a few F's / TF's after parting with my Spitfire, and before buying my TVR. They were all a little tired, whereas the MX5's I looked at felt a lot better put together, and a lot more composed on the road. In the end I went for something where the body won't rust, and a noise that sounds like Odin has arrived and is very peeved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L00b Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 rachvog, there was a very similar thread to this the other week. have a quick search cos it contains loads of good info Thread here (clicky me) adding my support for '5s over 'Fs and 'TFs (and, hair-wise, mine's been a standard Rotherham Grid 1 since the days of my National Service ) Z3 1.8i vs Barchetta vs MX5 1.8 vs F 1.8i (stats match) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alchresearch Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 MX5 over the TF/F anyday, anyone who's seen them both racing will tell you the 5 is a lot better car, easier on the eye, and can be worked on without resorting to sending small children under the bonnet.. I'm guessing you've never owned an MGF (but still feel inclined to give an opinion!) because if you did, you'd know the engine isn't under the bonnet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alchresearch Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 Z3 1.8i vs Barchetta vs MX5 1.8 vs F 1.8i (stats match) That seems to just be a standard 1.8i F. I'd like to see the results for the VVC or the other more powerful TFs. EDIT: Just done the comparison. The TF 160 piddles all over the MX5! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rachvog Posted September 1, 2009 Author Share Posted September 1, 2009 Thanks for all the replies! I never even thought about getting a MX5 but i will consider it after all your comments. I have always preferred the look of the MGtf though. I need to see one up close really, maybe test drive one. I've seen a 1.8 for sale at £3995 and has only 21000 miles on it and is year 2003. Do you think that is a good deal? And will a garage be honest and tell me if the Head Gasket has gone before and if its had any of the problems we've highlighted on this thread? It's occasions like this that i wish i could be a man for a day! lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L00b Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 Feeling like playing top trumps, alchresearch? rachvog, whatever car you end up choosing, get it RAC- or AA-inspected (they'll check & tell you about the HG) before the sale, and don't ever take a sales spiel at face value. If the garage won't allow an RAC or AA inspection, run a mile. It's a small cost to prevent a much more expensive mistake EDIT - Oh yeah... and the end of summer (and "convertible high season") is approaching fast, so don't forget to ask for a big discount while you're at it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rachvog Posted September 1, 2009 Author Share Posted September 1, 2009 Thanks L00b. How much does an AA or RAC inspection normally cost? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willman Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 The mgtf has mor interior room and space as well imho. The oh is only 5 foot and she felt cramped in the mx5 and it looks better IMHO. Snatch their hand off and then get the HG done - only cost me about £150 with a full service. I have a mechanic who is an MG specialist who's details i can refer if you make the right decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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