MG F (1995 - 2002) 1.8i VVC 2d (1998/R) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I brought this car just after I had ended a relationship and it served the purpose in saying 'I'm over you!'. I had fun, took my best mate out in the winter with bobble hats, scarves and mittens with the roof down and loved every minute of it.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Very 'me', but mum and dad were never convinced of its safety, probably as it was an R reg. Everyone else loved it althought it became a running joke everytime it went in for repairs.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I'd be tempted to buy a brand new one as I love the shape but I am concerned by the lack of manufacturing of parts especially for the older models. Also, the older ones seem to have lots of problems so I wouldn't but an older model if i was looking for reliability.

What are you likely to buy next?

I've just brought a Renault Clio and will review next!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£4,995

When did you buy the car?

October 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

In terms of how the car looked both inside and out it was a bargain. On closer inspection and after owning it for a while it became a nightmare...

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

What was the dealer like?

He was brilliant, honest, open, easy to get hold of, didn't avoid my calls and luckily a big problem occurred 2 weeks after purchase and he fixed everything for me, even paying for my AA membership!

What's it like to drive?

I loved driving this car, it was low to get in but having leather seats helped you to slide in gently. Steering wheen was in a comfy position and the cock pit in general didn't leave you feeling hemmed in and claustraphobic, but nicely contained. The 1.8VVC was punchy on take off leaving others in your cloud of dust and motorway driving was fine too, a bit rattley at over 80 mph but convertibles usually are. Also, comfy to cruise but struggled to drive at 30mph, seemed to always want to go fast!

What's it like to park?

easy, once you got used to the height. in fact, one of the easiest cars I have reversed parked.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Initially I loved this car. It was tahiti blue with cream leather interior and i felt like a movie star. Not so much though when the head gasket blew, all the wheel bearnings went which in turn made all my tyres need replacing and then all the brake pads too. I know these are standard hazards of car ownership but c'm on!!! all at the same time? Then, once that was sorted I then needed a new roof and with MG roofs being made of mohair they are not the cheapest out there!

What's most practical about your car?

Erm... nothing actually, 2 seats, big engine, fuel guzzling, and cost a fortune in repairs!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

2 seats, big engine, and convertible!!!