2001 MG MGF 1.8L Petrol · EX51 AWU
2001 MG MGF (1.8L, petrol). First registered 09/10/2001. Recorded mileage 132,281 miles. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- MG MGF
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Chelmsford
- MOT Status
- Valid until 29/01/2025
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 132,281 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2001
- Engine
- 1796cc
EX51 AWU Key Findings
- 22 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 28/01/2025
- 132,281 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 10 historical MOT failures
- 17 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (17 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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.
EX51 AWU Mileage History
- 06/10/200547,247 mi
- 04/04/200651,739 mi+4,492 mi
- 23/06/200754,037 mi+2,298 mi
- 19/06/200982,071 mi+28,034 mi
- 19/06/200982,071 mi
- 14/06/201093,573 mi+11,502 mi
- 14/06/201093,573 mi
- 09/06/2011106,596 mi+13,023 mi
- 11/06/2011106,596 mi
- 14/06/2012117,386 mi+10,790 mi
- 15/06/2012117,386 mi
- 05/06/2013124,107 mi+6,721 mi
- 06/06/2013124,112 mi+5 mi
- 25/06/2014128,048 mi+3,936 mi
- 30/06/2014128,053 mi+5 mi
- 17/01/2023128,636 mi+583 mi
- 30/01/2023128,636 mi
- 15/01/2024130,009 mi+1,373 mi
- 27/01/2024130,009 mi
- 28/01/2025132,281 mi+2,272 mi
Average of roughly 4,403 miles per year across 20 recorded odometer readings.
EX51 AWU MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
22 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Mg Mgf (EX51 AWU) between October 2005 and January 2025.
The record contains 12 passes and 10 failures.
The most recent test on 28 January 2025 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (17 issues), Suspension (16 issues), Lighting (13 issues), Tyres (12 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (7 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 33 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: “Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))”; “Offside Front Suspension arm corroded and seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. This 2001 grey MGF has a worrying history of structural corrosion and systemic mechanical neglect that makes it a high-risk purchase.
If you are considering this car, you must verify if the major failures from the January 2025 MOT—specifically the structural corrosion to the suspension mountings and the brake pipe failures—have been professionally repaired and welded. Demand to see invoices for these works, as 'patch' repairs on an MGF's chassis can be insufficient.
Negotiate the price aggressively to account for the required maintenance. The presence of oil and coolant leaks, combined with carbon monoxide emissions exceeding limits, suggests the engine may require a comprehensive service or internal investigation. Check the service history specifically for head gasket replacements, a known vulnerability for this era of MG, although not explicitly listed in the MOT failures.
As a 1.8L petrol roadster from 2001, this car will have moderate fuel costs but higher maintenance requirements than a modern equivalent. You can expect typical insurance groups for a small convertible, though the age of the vehicle may make it a cheaper premium option.
Maintenance costs are likely to be high for this specific example due to the history of corrosion and suspension wear. Between fuel, road tax, and the inevitable repairs needed to address the ongoing corrosion and leak issues, the annual cost will be significantly higher than a well-maintained model.
Focus your inspection on the chassis and underbody. The MOT history specifically flags 'excessively corroded' suspension component mountings on both the nearside and offside rear, as well as the offside front. Use a torch to inspect these areas for quality welding or further rust.
Check the braking system thoroughly; the car has a history of corroded brake pipes (2013, 2024, and 2025) and failed parking brake efficiency. Finally, inspect the engine bay for the oil and coolant leaks noted in the most recent MOT, and check the exhaust system for leaks or deterioration, given the repeated carbon monoxide failures.
With 132,281 miles on the clock, this vehicle shows significant signs of age and wear. The MOT history reveals a recurring pattern of structural corrosion in the suspension mountings and brake pipes, alongside recent failures for excessive exhaust emissions and brake inefficiency. It appears to have been poorly maintained in recent years, requiring extensive remedial work to be roadworthy.
While aggregate data is unavailable, this specific vehicle's history suggests a struggle with chassis corrosion and emissions as it ages.
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
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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