1996 MG MGF 1.8L Petrol · N57 ARM

The 1996 MG MGF shows a history of low-mileage use interrupted by recurring mechanical and suspension issues. The most recent test in August 2025 at 47,494 miles passed, though it highlighted uneven tyre wear on the front inner edges and rear tyres approaching the legal 3mm limit. This follows a 2024 test at 46,432 miles where the tester identified a minor exhaust leak and pitted rear brake discs along with thin rear pads. While the vehicle remains roadworthy, the data suggests that maintenance is often reactive, addressing MOT requirements rather than following a preventative schedule. The suspension history reveals a persistent issue with play in the upper arm ball joints, which were flagged in 2017, 2021, 2023, and 2025. A significant failure in September 2023 at 44,430 miles showed multiple faults, including front track rod end ball joints, incorrect headlamp aim, and high carbon monoxide emissions. The fact that these components fail repeatedly over several years indicates that either low-quality parts are being used or the underlying geometry issues are not being fully rectified during repairs. The exhaust system also shows a trend of degradation, with emissions failing in 2021 and leaking by 2024. With an average travel of only 1,600 miles per year, the vehicle has seen very little use, which often leads to age-related degradation of rubber components and corrosion on metal surfaces. The oil leak noted in 2023 is typical for a vehicle of this age but requires monitoring to ensure it does not worsen. A buyer should inspect the structural integrity of the chassis for corrosion and verify that the suspension components have been properly replaced, as the record indicates these are a weak point for this specific car.