MG MGF1997 · 1.8L PETROL
Vehicle Insight Summary
1997 MG MGF — PETROL, 1796cc. This vehicle has 106,528 miles on record. MOT status: valid. Tax: paid. Review the complete history and specs.
- Fuel
- PETROL
- Year
- 1997
- Engine
- 1796cc
Free vehicle health score
Public record health check: Good.
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Technical Specifications
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Full MOT History
Checking the history for this 1997 Mg Mgf (R166 CDL), we found 5 MOT results in the period of September 2022 to January 2026.
With 4 passes and 1 failures, the lifetime MOT pass rate stands at 80%. The car boasts an impressive record, which typically reflects a conscientious ownership history.
The most commonly flagged areas across all MOT tests are: Brakes (3 issues), Lighting (1 issue), Bodywork (1 issue). These areas are worth paying attention to when inspecting this vehicle.
There are 3 advisory notices in the MOT history. Advisories are not failures but indicate areas that may need attention in the future.
A total of 2 failure items have been recorded across all tests. Recent failure items include: “Offside Rear Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced o”; “Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii))”.
AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.
Buyer's Guide
AI-powered analysis based on real MOT data and market insights.
Our Verdict
Recommended for the enthusiast. This silver 1997 MGF shows an impressively clean MOT record for its age, suggesting a well-maintained example of this classic roadster.
When purchasing a 1997 MGF, the primary focus should be on the service history, specifically regarding the head gasket and cooling system, which are known critical areas for the 1.8L K-Series engine. Ensure there is documented evidence of any cooling system upgrades or engine work performed during its 29-year lifespan.
Given the clean MOT history, you should negotiate based on the age of the consumables. Check for recent tyre replacements and brake pad wear, as the vehicle has covered roughly 2,600 miles in the last year. Request a full service record to ensure the oil change intervals have been strictly adhered to.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — AI-assisted analysis verified by automotive experts.
Data Sources
DVSA
MOT test records from the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency.
DVLA
Vehicle registration, tax, and specification data.
OneAutoAPI
Market valuation, warranty, and recall intelligence.
AI Analysis
Machine learning insights trained on millions of UK MOT records.
Common Problems: MG MGF
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Hydragas Suspension Leaks/Depressurisation(Moderate)
The unique interconnected fluid/gas suspension system can leak or lose pressure over time, leading to a harsh ride and low ground clearance.
- Head Gasket Failure(Serious)
Standard K-Series issue, exacerbated by the mid-engine layout and long coolant pipes to the front radiator.
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