Official DVLA Record
MOT Valid

1998 MG MGF 1.8L Petrol · S370 CWS

S370 CWS

1998 MG MGF (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01/08/1998. Recorded mileage 51,770 miles. MOT valid until 14/12/2026. Currently declared SORN.

Make & Model
MG MGF
Year / Origin
1998 · Glasgow
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 14/12/2026
Road Tax
SORN
Recorded Mileage
51,770 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 1.8L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 14/12/2026
Tax Status
SORN
Statutory Off Road (SORN)
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
1998
Engine
1796cc

S370 CWS Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 15/12/2025
  • 51,770 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

Updating live data
MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
70
/ 100 · Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Average

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

✓ Valid MOT
! Tax Status Unknown
! Average MOT pass rate (60%)
! Older vehicle
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Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for S370CWS

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Finance
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Write-off
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Salvage
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Imported
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Exported
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Scrapped
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Destruction
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Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

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Reliability & Known Issues

Known faults for MG MGF

Our database tracks 2 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.

S370 CWS Mileage History

  1. 27/09/202150,238 mi
  2. 21/09/202250,296 mi+58 mi
  3. 21/09/202250,296 mi
  4. 04/12/202450,667 mi+371 mi
  5. 15/12/202551,770 mi+1,103 mi

Average of roughly 363 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

S370 CWS MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 29 Jul 2026, 21:13
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Mg Mgf (S370 CWS) between September 2021 and December 2025.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 15 December 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (6 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 13 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))”; “Offside Rear Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
62/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£900-£1,200
Mileage
The mileage is significantly below avera...

Our Verdict

A low-mileage classic roadster that offers potential but currently shows a clear pattern of ongoing corrosion and suspension wear that requires immediate attention.

When inspecting this MGF, your absolute priority must be the brake system. The MOT history consistently flags corroded brake pipes across multiple locations (offside rear, nearside, and central) from 2021 through 2025. This is a common issue on these cars, and you should verify if the pipes have been replaced with copper lines or merely treated. Additionally, check the rear suspension geometry closely; the recent advisories for worn bushes and steering rack inner joints suggest the car may suffer from poor handling if not serviced.

Check the chassis for rust, which is the MGF's Achilles' heel, specifically around the rear wheel arches where corrosion was previously noted in 2022. Given the low mileage, ensure there is a documented history of the oil belt changes, as these are critical for the K-series engine regardless of mileage interval. Look for any signs of fluid leaks from the exhaust, as a minor leak has been noted in the past.

The 1.8L K-Series engine is relatively efficient for a roadster, typically yielding around 25-30 mpg depending on driving. As an older petrol vehicle, it falls into a lower tax band, though insurance groups vary significantly based on driver profile (typically between groups 20-25).

Maintenance costs can be higher than a modern hatchback as parts are increasingly specialty and often require specialist knowledge. You should budget an annual running cost of approximately £900-£1,200, covering fuel, tax, insurance, and routine servicing/maintenance.

Inspect the entire brake line length for corrosion. The MOT history shows a cycle of corroded pipes over four years, which suggests that surface repairs may not have been fully addressed. Also check the steering rack for play, as the nearside inner joint was flagged in the most recent 2025 test.

Pay close attention to the rear suspension bushes and track rod ends. The data shows multiple instances of worn components and play in ball joints. A test drive is essential to listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven steering feel. Finally, check the headlamp alignment, as this vehicle has failed or been advised for incorrect aim in the past.

This 1998 MG MGF is a rare low-mileage example, having covered just 51,770 miles over nearly 28 years. While the low mileage suggests a well-preserved example, the MOT history reveals a persistent issue with brake pipe corrosion and suspension component wear-out. The vehicle has recently passed its MOT, but the recurring advisories indicate that maintenance-related structural issues need to be addressed to ensure long-term reliability.

The K-series engine is known for potential head gasket failure if not maintained correctly, and the chassis is prone to structural rust.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns