On verge of buying MGF, but unsure, why???

[bestgolfer]

Hi there, my first post from Ocean Grove Australia. I have posted a similar question of the MG Enthusiast's site, so I hope I am not boring anybody.

I have been offered a pristine Mark2- MGF, 2000 registration, silver colour with 19,000K on the clock. Some might say only just run in. The car has been cosseted and used very sparingly, as the mileage would indicate. The present owner keeps it in a lock up garage, under a especially designed cover. When I saw the car a week or so back, I was overawed by its condition. It is almost showroom condition. It comes with 16" wheels and factory black leather, no hard top is provided.

I have previously owned an MGA and a BGT, plus an XJ6 and a Sovereign. So I know a little about English cars!! Presently my wife has a near new Astra and I have a 4 YO Mazda6. (with all the options)

So, what's the problem? Well my wife and I are in our midish 60's and we require sensible and practical transport. Don't we all? Well no, not sure I do anymore. I am an MG person to my boot straps, whereas my wife tolerates them with a smile. We would dispose of the Mazda6 and retain the Astra for family issues. (we have 5 grandchildren) Now there will be times when the Astra may not be available, and I would have to work around that. (with a two seater roadster)

I would love to get back into the MG world, re-join the local CC and do the things MG folks do. Now finally I get to the point.

The F would be a daily usage car for me, in all weathers, but being Australia, that 's not an issue. My local MG F friends have differing opinions as to the suitability of the F as a daily car. They say access can be tricky for an older person, rear view parking is tricky, breakdowns could take it off the road for a day or two...etc..etc. My wife will certainly enjoy the open top motoring down our wonderful Great Ocean Road, but not sure about the weekly shopping expedition.

I am prepared to put up with all the little inconveniences, as I just love the things (never thought I'd say that 10 years ago. I plan to have a full check prior to deciding finally on purchase by ex MG Rover technicians.

Should I go bold and get the car, 60 odd is the new 50 odd, isn't it?

[bestgolfer]

Meant to add, I am a very keen golfer, and am lucky to belong to one of the best clubs in Australia, and the fees I am paying make it a must I play as often as I can, therefore stowing my bulky gear is critical. Can get my clubs in passenger seat and by remote buggy in boot. Plus, I have established I can attach my bike rack to the F, for my daily bike ride along the coastal areas.

These two areas seem under control!

Ron, Ocean Grove, Australia

[dwkmgf]

Hi Ron,

Seems to me that with the golf clubs and the cycle covered, anything else is an excuse. The F Register has many members of your generation actively taking part in events and showing us young pups a thing or too. In my local group one member has just bought an F to add to his TF.

Life is too short to think of excuses not to buy this car - I for one will have an F into my 60's - and that is 20 years away for me!! Go on - you know it makes sense.

Dave

[stux99]

I agree with the above comment.You seem to have all bases covered, so..........
Lifes Too Short Not To

[bestgolfer]

Gee, Dave I like the way you think, so you see the F as a feasible daily usage car, even for a Grandad?

[colintf]

go for it!

[Pete C]

I bought my F 3 months ago. It is my everyday car, stands outside, no garage. THE best driving fun I've had since a Midget 35 years ago!! BTW, I'm 61..............go on......do it!

[Charless]

If you are not carrying large quantities of diesel in jerrycans at the same time you can very easily get a big set of clubs in the F's boot. It was, I believe one of the original design criteria. Do it!

[Steve]

Hi Ron, I'm in the 50s club also with grandchildren and have no intention of parting with my TF except for perhaps one of the new NG MGs.
Golf clubs fit fine in the boot so I say go for it and ENJOY
Steve.

[Kasper]

Allthough iI'm not in the 50's area yet, that will take a decade or so In our region we see a lot of MG drivers buying an MGF or MGTF to replace the OM car. Exchanging a boring 4 door saloon by the fantastic MG(T)F. Rather than buying another boring high seater designed for the elderly
Average age for buing a MG(T)F ranges from 20 up to over 70 years young. So I think it is more in the mind as in the body. My advice Buy the car, enjoy it, feel fit, and at least a decade younger

[transforce]

I take my son out in mine all the time (he's 18 months). The only issue for you I think is the storage one. I imagine your golfing equipment will take up more space than an MGF can supply. Is there any way you can test this, take your equipment with you and put it in the boot of the car? It might sound silly, but I'm sure no-one would mind you trying it out.

[bestgolfer]

Thanks for all the supportive comments. Have tested out storage space with golf stuff, no problems. We will just have two cars...my wife's near new Astra and the F.

Golf Club only 5 mins away, so space issue not that critical over the short time I am golfing....if that makes any sense! (I am a member of Barwon Heads, and very fortunate to be so! http://www.bhgc.com.au )

I note you take your young son in the car, did I understand that correctly? Very strict laws here re children in relation to children in front seat of cars (under I think 8 years old).......it's banned! And cars with airbags cause some additional concern, even when over eight. Have to fully check my facts re the airbag thing.

[transforce]

There's no airbag on the passenger side, so it's fine. I think the front seat thing is more a recommendation, it's the presence of an airbag that's a problem.

[bestgolfer]

I am going to 'do it' that is make an offer for the car late this week after a satisfactory pre-purchase report. Should I ask for full service to be carried out prior to delivery, ie new oil filter etc etc

Anything else I should request?

[Kasper]

A full service is something you have to decide for yourself. Anyway it will give a safe feeling for the first year or so, no need to do servicing etc. It also might give an extra tool to play with in price negotiation.

I would strongly prefer to have service at a MG-Rover specialist, Is the one you're buying from?

(They have the tools, should have the knowledge and can do the computer read out of the car)

[bestgolfer]

Hi Kasper, yes the pre-purchase check and service, and anything which requires correction, will all be carried out by trained MG-Rover technicians.

[bestgolfer]

There's no airbag on the passenger side, so it's fine. I think the front seat thing is more a recommendation, it's the presence of an airbag that's a problem.

I noted your comment only today, it's puzzling! There are two airbags in the one I am buying, didn't they always have two??

[Mark L]

There's no airbag on the passenger side, so it's fine. I think the front seat thing is more a recommendation, it's the presence of an airbag that's a problem.

I noted your comment only today, it's puzzling! There are two airbags in the one I am buying, didn't they always have two??

Passenger airbag was a cost option when new in the UK so I imagine the same for you..

[Mark L]

There's no airbag on the passenger side, so it's fine. I think the front seat thing is more a recommendation, it's the presence of an airbag that's a problem.

This problem was discussed at length over on 'org' some time ago and it seems the F/TF was never 'type approved' for the fitting of child seats, front or rear facing, with or without airbag..

The definative post on the above came from an ex-MGR engineer (Rincewind) who's job it was to make sure that such things were safe and met legal requirements, he said they could not make a child seat fit 'safely' in the F/TF hence it was never type approved for one..

[Andrew Regens]

All MG F's sold in Australia had two air bags. With regard to a child sitting in the front, the rules change if there isn't a rear seat, so with front seat only cars such as an F/TF and say a ute children under 8 are allowed, I dont think we have laws about child saftey seats and airbags in the front other than common sense.