N.West newbie >>> :)

[merseyside bossman]

Just about to pick up an N plate mgf, 1.8i (non vvc)

Its my mams dream car and where getting it for £1200- (T+Tested)

It has some bubbling to the OSF wing leading edge, and the exhaust is blowning...

Help me out here is there anything else I shud be weary of.

AS I dont want to let her down, and buy a dog.

Paul
Wirral

[m600von]

Hi welcome to the north west register..... Im sure someone will be able to answer your questions better than me. I dont come on here much now as i have just sold my tf160 but still visit here from time to time. Im sure your mum will be excited with her new car what part of the wirral are you from? and have you got any pics of it yet? you will find everyone on here is very friendly and helpful with any probs or questions you have. you will find a lot of interesting reading on the site about mgs.

bye for now

enjoy your new car!

[merseyside bossman]

I live in Birkenhead, but my mam lives in Moreton

(pics to follow)

[Helsbyman]

hi there, well the first thing you should look for is Head Gasket Failer( H G F). The oil will look like cream and the car will not run to well.You should look at the suspention as the wishbones can be v rusty and to replace costs £100 per wishbone £200 to fit. M O Ts I never trust , I know ever body likes not to pay much, but this to me sounds too cheap. are you in the AA or RAC so you can ask them to check it out good luck and wellcome

[Mark L]

Plenty of 'Buyers Guides' if you have a search, but.......

Other than the usual checks you should make with ANY 2nd hand car, these are a few specific 'F' faults to look out for.....

Above mentioned HGF.

Ride height: should be around 365mm +/- 10mm measured from centre of front wheel to underside of wheel arch (use front ONLY) Very low ride height will affect the cars Geo set up, so check inner front tyre edges for excess wear.

Check: if the cam-belt/s are due, or have been replaced, belts service intervals are 60K miles or 5 years - WHICHEVER comes first.

Test drive: check the steering, ie on a straight level road - below 30mph let go of the wheel and check for the 'pulling to the left' fault, the steering on the F is electric (EPAS) not hydraulic like most cars.

Check all the electrics, ie CL ,windows alarm etc. also lock car with the remote then open the boot lid with the key WITHOUT turning the alarm back off...... if when you open the boot lid the alarm sounds then this could indicate the dodgy boot hinge loom fault as a micro-switch in the boot lock should dis-arm/arm the alarm via the boot lock.

Check for smooth operation of wiper linkage

Check the usual running temperature, ie one notch below half way no matter what the driving conditions.

Check for the usual interior leaks, including boot as lightseals can fail on early models.

Check operation of clutch pedal is not to heavy and has a correct bite point (around 1/2 - 3/4's up) as clutch release arms can start to sieze meaning VERY expensive gearbox removal.

Given the cars age, Radiator and underfloor coolant pipes should have been changed, so check the history for any evidence of this.

Check headlights are nice and bright with a good beam pattern, a dull/dim beam could indicate reflector bowls are US (MOT Fail)

Areas for tin-worm are the front leading edge of wings (which you have seen) area around side repeaters and boot lid seams.

TBH though you are looking at a car thats 12-13 years old so there is a fair chance it will have one-or more of the above faults, however you are unlikely to get perfection for £1200.

[merseyside bossman]

Bought it

Turns out the 'f' has had an engine change 15 months ago, lucky enough I know the owner of the garage who fitted it.
Called him whilst on the test drive and he assured me it is a pearler. (The engine plus fitting was in the region of £1700)

It does need an exhaust down-pipe which I knew of,so intend to get that done asap.

Mirror covers are really speckled, which I want to have painted to!!!
and the heater fan dial knob has fallen off
So there you go.

Keep an eye out for BRG 'F' around the Wirral soon

Paul

[Helsbyman]

hi if it is of use i have a back box off a 2004 vvc for sale .. May i also point out and not meaning to step on any ones toes but 4years or 50k mls is the recommended time on some MGFs my alternator belt went at 38k and the car was 3yrs 10 months old

[PHLEB]

Hi

And welcome to the forum. We'll keep an eye out for you then around and about. There are a few of us around the Wirral area that frequent the boards here. I work up at Arrowe Park (so only down the road). Hope to see you (or your Mum) at the next meet in June.

Gordon

[merseyside bossman]

What date is the next meet.,

The car is in for the downpipe tomorrow, then its all go.

Where is best to get clear front indicators?

And Borough salvage on Cleveland st, has got a MGF for breaking, its pretty complete (less downpipe )

[redbeard57]

The next meet will be on 19th June at the Fox, however, I am considering the option of looking for a replacement venue maybe on the Wirral as the majority of current membership seem to be from this part of the world.....

[merseyside bossman]

Sounds good, Ive run many Vw meets in the past and the Tudor Rose,near 2 mills is a fine pub. And close to the N.Wales links.

[m600von]

Sounds a good idea Simon,

The next meet will be on 19th June at the Fox, however, I am considering the option of looking for a replacement venue maybe on the Wirral as the majority of current membership seem to be from this part of the world.....

[redbeard57]

i dare not suggest the TR, I could almost walk there, however, if others like the place who am I to disagree!! Lets stick to the Fox for June and we can talk about the options while we are there for the July meeting......
Meanwhile I am off touring to France for a few days I will put the photos on line when I come back

[PHLEB]

What date is the next meet.,

The car is in for the downpipe tomorrow, then its all go.

Where is best to get clear front indicators?

And Borough salvage on Cleveland st, has got a MGF for breaking, its pretty complete (less downpipe )

Best place for clear lights is a breaker or ebay

What year is the one you've looked at in Cleveland street

[Phoenix]

i dare not suggest the TR, I could almost walk there

Both me and my friend live 3 mins from the TR. He's recently aquired a beautiful TF160, is eager to hit the dark side and would love to come and see some other cars! It'd be good to meet some peeps. Are there usually people of all ages at the meetings?

[redbeard57]

it is a mix of ages.....but this month (15th June) we are still at the stretton fox, so please come and join us there

[Phoenix]

The next meet will be on 19th June at the Fox, however, I am considering the option of looking for a replacement venue maybe on the Wirral as the majority of current membership seem to be from this part of the world.....

it is a mix of ages.....but this month (15th June) we are still at the stretton fox, so please come and join us there

15th or 19th!?

[redbeard57]

sorry, looking at the wrong month......19th!!