Marcus
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| posted on 8/8/07 at 11:57 AM |
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MG TF
Ok guys and gals, SWMBO wants one of these and however hard i push her she'll not have an MX5!
What I'd like to know is what to look out for. I know about the K series head gasket issues, so is there anything else?
She's specced one up:
x- power grey or silver
135bhp
Leather (or alcantara)
Sprint spec (bigger wheels and brakes)
Glass rear screen
A/C
There's loads on Autotrader at a gnats under 6k (though not many locally)
What do you think (oh and if anyone wants a Smart Car let me know!)
Marcus
Because kits are for girls!!
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smart51
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| posted on 8/8/07 at 12:07 PM |
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Check that the windows wind up and seal with the roof. They mechanism can slip. It isn't impossible to reset (esp to a locost builder).
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donut
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| posted on 8/8/07 at 12:13 PM |
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I have heard mixed reports on the MG TF. Readers serveys say they are pretty bad what with leaking roofs and stuff but a few owners i have talked to
over the years can't say enough good things about them and they love them to bits.
Get a good one and i'm sure you won't go far wrong but i would still have an MX5!!
Andy
When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/andywest1/
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Surrey Dave
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| posted on 8/8/07 at 12:50 PM |
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Ahem!
donut: you did have an MX5 yer big poooooof!
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donut
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| posted on 8/8/07 at 01:33 PM |
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Yes and my hair has been super soft and bouncy ever since
Andy
When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/andywest1/
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gingerprince
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| posted on 8/8/07 at 01:51 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Marcus
135bhp
What do you think (oh and if anyone wants a Smart Car let me know!)
At least get the 160
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britishtrident
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| posted on 8/8/07 at 01:56 PM |
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Main cooling system issues are really leaking inlet manifold gasket, airlocks, if the engine is still fitted with the old type thermostat change it
for the external PRT type.
The change to PRT thernostat was to allow some water circulation if the engine was driven hard when stone cold, which caused head shuffle which after
a year or so of abuse will kill the silicone sealant tracks on the standard head gasket.
The inlet manifold gasket tends to leak slightly at the corners this is often missed and mistaken for head gasket failure, however if the coolant
level drops the cooling system airlocks and this can result in gasket failure.
The 135 hp engine is a normal K16 1.8 ie non VVC ---- VVC just adds complexity.
Handling is very very good -- almost as much fun as an Elise and less likely to bight.
Watch out for bending damage to rear suspension track control rods caused by being badly tied down on a car transporter.
[Edited on 8/8/07 by britishtrident]
[I] What use our work, Bennet, if we cannot care for those we love? .
― From BBC TV/Amazon's Ripper Street.
[/I]
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caber
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| posted on 8/8/07 at 02:10 PM |
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So what is the spec on the Smart and how much do you want for it? I am looking for a cheap RHD for a bit of messing with and fun!
Caber
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smart51
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| posted on 8/8/07 at 03:05 PM |
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The all new smart is due next month. Sell yours quick before its value falls.
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Marcus
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| posted on 8/8/07 at 03:31 PM |
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Cheers Mr Trident.
Sorry Caber, it's a lefty!
It's a uk lefty though.
X plate Pulse model with all passion extras, glass roof with sliding sun shade, rev counter and clock pods, air con, Blue / silver with blue
interior.
If it doesn't go in PX, £2500 will buy it
[Edited on 8/8/07 by Marcus]
[Edited on 8/8/07 by Marcus]
Marcus
Because kits are for girls!!
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DIY Si
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| posted on 8/8/07 at 05:55 PM |
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The missus used to have a 135, and recently upgraded to a 160. I quite like the handling, it tales a fair bit to upset ours, but it does seem to have
much more grip than the 135. Whether this is due to different sprint suspension (mainly a bit lower) or the eagle F1's I couldn't fully
say. The 135 is ok power wise, but the extra 25 bhp makes a huge difference. As said, the window seal can be a bit iffy, but easy enough to sort. If
possible, try to get one with a hard top as they are soooo much better than the soft top during the winter months.
Let your plans be dark and as impenetratable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.
Sun Tzu, The Art of War
My new blog: http://spritecave.blogspot.co.uk/
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spaximus
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| posted on 8/8/07 at 06:28 PM |
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My wife had a brand new mg tf in blue with hard top and it was fantastic up until the head gasket went, £800 repair bill. Then it was okay for a
couple of months then it lost the water again. Another £300 ish.
It drove well but the build quality was after a year showing up issues. Just outside warrenty all the repairs started as above plus £250 on window
winder mechanisum, it just went on and on. At the same time MG went pop and the residual sank like the titanic. In the end we dropped £10k in four
years and bought a Toyota MR2 it is faultless in every way except storage space. The hood is so good you don't need a hard top and dealer wise
they are second to none.
Really try to pursuede your oh that Japanese is so much better, MX 5, MR2 or stretch to a Honda S2000 just don't get an Mg unless you like work
or spending money. It really is sad as they are so pretty and offer a lot that is good, but the potential downside is just not worth the risk.
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Marcus
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| posted on 8/8/07 at 07:09 PM |
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You say not worth the risk, but I drive an Alfa. Everyone said don't, but I didn't listen. It's the best car I've had, would
only swop it for another!
I think you can get lemons whatever you buy, so if I go into this with my eyes open, I'm prepared for the bills!
I'd love her to get an MX5 but her friend has a TF, a ZR and a classic Midget so she likes the sound of MGs!!
Marcus
Because kits are for girls!!
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t.j.
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| posted on 8/8/07 at 07:17 PM |
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My wife drives what I buy! 
So i would go for a good donor.
And that's def not a MG
Please feel free to correct my bad English, i'm still learning. Your Dutch is awfull! :-)
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rusty nuts
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| posted on 8/8/07 at 07:23 PM |
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Make sure you check the front lower arms haven't rotted out , gear change linkage can wear and cause problems . As already said the Toyota is
far better built . Get her to test drive an M.G and then the Toyota
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spaximus
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| posted on 8/8/07 at 08:25 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Marcus
You say not worth the risk, but I drive an Alfa. Everyone said don't, but I didn't listen. It's the best car I've had, would
only swop it for another!
I think you can get lemons whatever you buy, so if I go into this with my eyes open, I'm prepared for the bills!
I'd love her to get an MX5 but her friend has a TF, a ZR and a classic Midget so she likes the sound of MGs!!
You do get lemons but unfortunatly it wasn't ! From going on various MG sites it is clear they have a wondeful following but they are more likly
to have a problem or two than not. As you say if you are prepared for the bills then go for it and I hope I am wrong.
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Marcus
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| posted on 12/8/07 at 09:34 PM |
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OK we bought one!!
Black 135, 03 reg.
Let the fun (bills) begin.
Neighbour (ford man) thinks I'm crackers, Alfa, MG and Locost!
He may have a point!
Marcus
Because kits are for girls!!
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Ferg
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| posted on 13/8/07 at 09:14 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by t.j.
So i would go for a good donor.
And that's def not a MG
Oh, Im not so sure.
My donor was MGF/Rover Metro and it's going fine!!!
LOL!
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gezer
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| posted on 13/8/07 at 11:45 AM |
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Marcus i've sent a u2u
I'm to old to live and to young to die --- buggerit
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britishtrident
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| posted on 13/8/07 at 12:16 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by spaximus
My wife had a brand new mg tf in blue with hard top and it was fantastic up until the head gasket went, £800 repair bill. Then it was okay for a
couple of months then it lost the water again. Another £300 ish.
Everybody assumes when a K16 engine looses coolant it is the head gasket, that is rarely the cause but if blown it is an effect. I have lost count of
the number of K series heads I have seen lifted on hersay, usually the cause turns out to be a duff inlet manifold gasket or a hose clip that
isn't sealling.
Before and after it is vital to do a pressure test the whole cooling system with the engine cold if any loss of coolant is evident.
[I] What use our work, Bennet, if we cannot care for those we love? .
― From BBC TV/Amazon's Ripper Street.
[/I]
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gezer
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| posted on 13/8/07 at 12:57 PM |
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I've just sent marcus info on this from the rover forum,
five long emails
makes interesting reading
I'm to old to live and to young to die --- buggerit
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