Hi, I wonder if someone can recomment a garage around Swindon specialiazed in MG. I am German, working here temporary and I am an owner of a 1998 MGF.In Summer I will leave the country and I would like to take my MGF back to Germany. I womder if it is worth as the German MOT is much more serious as here. I have just spent 800 Pounds to pass the MOT.
I am looking for someone who can appraise the whole car and fix some work.
By the way I am looking for a pair of condinental headlights.
Thanks a lot
Frank
recommendation garage near Swindon
Moderator: colintf
Re: recommendation garage near Swindon
There are no specialist MGF garages in Swindon that I know of, the nearest I believe is Just Right Autos near Oxford http://www.justrightautos.co.uk/mgf-mgtf-vehicles.htm, or if Bristol is more accessible for you try Mark at MJN Motors
There are many MGF in Germany, no major problems with the German MOT test that I know of. A 1998 car will have some rust, was that part of the £800 bill? I live 15 minutes from Swindon, I'd be happy to have a look around your car to see if there's anything likely to be a problem in the near future - I do have more experience with MGF problems than I care to think about
There are many MGF in Germany, no major problems with the German MOT test that I know of. A 1998 car will have some rust, was that part of the £800 bill? I live 15 minutes from Swindon, I'd be happy to have a look around your car to see if there's anything likely to be a problem in the near future - I do have more experience with MGF problems than I care to think about
-
colintf
- Committee Member & Regional Rep
- Posts: 12489
- Joined: Thu Oct 04, 2007 5:49 pm
- MGF Register Region: Devon & Cornwall
- Model of Car: MG PA TF160 ZTV8
- Location: Bristol / Cornwall (back home!)
- Contact:
Re: recommendation garage near Swindon
If the MGF has modifications eg exhaust etc, then there could be potential German MOT problems I believe. 
Colin Murrell
MGF Register International Liaison Rep
MGF Register Regional Rep for Devon & Cornwall and Cotswold Regions
MGCC Z and V8 Registers Reps for V8 ZT'/ZTTs
http://www.two-sixties.com/main.htm http://www.triple-mracing.com/
Re: recommendation garage near Swindon
Thanks Bandit and Colin for your help. One of my problems is that the garages here in the UK are much cheaper than in Germany but the work is not proper.
When I bought the car one year ago, my radiator was broken down. It was fixed by a local garage, but as a result the air heater didn't work anymore. So I had to find another garage to fix this problem. When I went for my MOT two months ago, the main issue of the 800 P bill was a window regulator for 150 P. But the window isn't exactly adjusted, now I always have to drop the window before I can open the door. It's very nice. They fixed a new tyre, now I need the second one but I can't find it, as this tyre will not be produced anymore and so on....
In November I bought a new exhaust, the MOT report says there is a minor leak of exhaust gases, the front subframe is corroded, play in nearside track rod, engine oil leak, windscreen chipped.
There are also some rusty areas on the bodywork.
Bandit, I would be more than happy I you review the car. I live on the ground of the Great Western Hospital. I can visit you as well if you want. I haven't got any facilities to look underneath the car. I don't you if you have got a car-jack. My phone number is 0741 1696488, please leave a message or call on nights as I spend the day in the hospital.
Many thanks
Frank
When I bought the car one year ago, my radiator was broken down. It was fixed by a local garage, but as a result the air heater didn't work anymore. So I had to find another garage to fix this problem. When I went for my MOT two months ago, the main issue of the 800 P bill was a window regulator for 150 P. But the window isn't exactly adjusted, now I always have to drop the window before I can open the door. It's very nice. They fixed a new tyre, now I need the second one but I can't find it, as this tyre will not be produced anymore and so on....
In November I bought a new exhaust, the MOT report says there is a minor leak of exhaust gases, the front subframe is corroded, play in nearside track rod, engine oil leak, windscreen chipped.
There are also some rusty areas on the bodywork.
Bandit, I would be more than happy I you review the car. I live on the ground of the Great Western Hospital. I can visit you as well if you want. I haven't got any facilities to look underneath the car. I don't you if you have got a car-jack. My phone number is 0741 1696488, please leave a message or call on nights as I spend the day in the hospital.
Many thanks
Frank
Re: recommendation garage near Swindon
The window adjustment problem affects virtually every MGF at some point, there is a small plastic item that stops the window at the correct point so it fits under the roof seal as the door opens & closes, and being small & plastic it breaks off... Brown & Gammons sell a much better design with a steel bolt holding it together, which will solve that issue permanantly.
Replacing a track rod end is a 10 minute job, and again almost inevitable that they will wear out - with 2 MGF & 1 TF I keep several spares...
A 'minor leak of exhaust gases' I would expect to be from the flexible section under the engine, that is the common age-related issue. Replacement isn't expensive, although it can be difficult to separate that section from the catalytic converter.
Corrosion of the front subframe is harder to define - surface rust can look bad but may not be weakening the subframe enough to cause a problem, if the rust is removed and the surface treated with anti-rust treatments and then coated in wax it should be OK for many years. If the MOT tester noted it as an 'advisory' then I can't see it being severe enough to need welding or replacement anytime soon.
The tyre that cannot be replaced, is that by any chance a Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD2 214/40 16..?
I'll send you a PM with contact details, it sounds like it might be worth you bringing the car to my workshop to take a good look at what work may or may not be required to meet the correct German standard
Replacing a track rod end is a 10 minute job, and again almost inevitable that they will wear out - with 2 MGF & 1 TF I keep several spares...
A 'minor leak of exhaust gases' I would expect to be from the flexible section under the engine, that is the common age-related issue. Replacement isn't expensive, although it can be difficult to separate that section from the catalytic converter.
Corrosion of the front subframe is harder to define - surface rust can look bad but may not be weakening the subframe enough to cause a problem, if the rust is removed and the surface treated with anti-rust treatments and then coated in wax it should be OK for many years. If the MOT tester noted it as an 'advisory' then I can't see it being severe enough to need welding or replacement anytime soon.
The tyre that cannot be replaced, is that by any chance a Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD2 214/40 16..?
I'll send you a PM with contact details, it sounds like it might be worth you bringing the car to my workshop to take a good look at what work may or may not be required to meet the correct German standard