1996 MG MGF 1.8L Petrol · N190 CUY
1996 MG MGF (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01/04/1996. Recorded mileage 71,272 miles. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- MG MGF
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Newcastle
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 03/04/2023
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01/04/2024)
- Recorded Mileage
- 71,272 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 1996
- Engine
- 1796cc
N190 CUY Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 05/04/2022
- 71,272 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below 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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
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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.
N190 CUY Mileage History
- 30/03/202271,272 mi
- 05/04/202271,272 mi
Average of roughly 0 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
N190 CUY MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 1996 Mg Mgf (N190 CUY) between March 2022 and April 2022.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 05 April 2022 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (8 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 8 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 Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))”; “Nearside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))”; “Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. The vehicl
The primary priority for any buyer is to establish why the vehicle has not had an MOT since 2022 and to arrange a fresh inspection. You should request evidence that the 2022 advisories—specifically the non-illuminating SRS warning lamp and the play in the nearside front wheel bearing—were ever rectified.
Given the vehicle's age and model, check for any evidence of chassis or body corrosion, which is a top failure reason for the MGF across the wider fleet. Negotiate the price based on the likely cost of bringing the vehicle back up to a roadworthy standard after several years of recorded inactivity.
The 1.8L petrol engine provides a classic driving experience but will have higher fuel consumption than modern equivalents. Tax will be based on the 1996 emissions standards and engine size, and insurance groups for the MGF are typically moderate, though classic car insurance may be a more cost-effective route.
Maintenance costs for a 30-year-old roadster can be unpredictable. Expect to spend more on rubber components, seals, and cooling system refreshes. The estimated annual running cost, including fuel, tax, insurance, and basic maintenance, is approximately £1,100-£1,400.
Perform a detailed inspection of the nearside front suspension and steering, specifically the track rod end and wheel bearing, as these were flagged in the 2022 records. Check the exhaust system for leaks or significant corrosion, as the vehicle previously failed its MOT due to carbon monoxide content exceeding limits.
Verify the operation of the Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) warning lamp; the 2022 pass recorded that this lamp did not illuminate, which is a safety concern. Finally, check the condition of the tyres, as the offside front was noted as cracking or perishing in the last recorded test.
This 1996 Green MG MGF features the 1796cc petrol engine and had a recorded mileage of 71,272 miles in 2022. While the mileage is moderate, the vehicle has a significant four-year gap in its MOT records. The last recorded test in 2022 involved a failure on CO emissions, headlamp aim, and suspension components before passing with several advisories.
The MGF has an average MOT pass rate of 75.5%, with the most frequent failures relating to headlamps, exhaust systems, and corrosion.
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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