1997 MG MGF 1.8L Petrol · R1 DLR

The MG MGF presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean bill of health at its most recent MOT on 23 July 2025 at 39,894 miles, where the tester recorded zero defects. This marks a notable shift from the preceding years, where low-level tyre wear advisories were a recurring theme. The absence of any defects in both the 2024 and 2025 tests suggests the current custodian has addressed the earlier tyre wear issues, likely through replacement and possibly a wheel alignment correction, moving the vehicle from a pattern of minor neglect toward consistent, proactive upkeep. The mileage profile tells a story of exceptionally light use. At roughly 1,376 miles per year over its 29-year life, this is a low-mileage example. The record shows a steady, gradual accumulation, with the car covering approximately 4,154 miles in the four years between the August 2021 test at 35,740 miles and the July 2025 test at 39,894 miles. There are no alarming gaps or sudden spikes in the MOT history to suggest the vehicle has been sitting unused for extended periods, though the low annual mileage inherently means components like rubber bushes, seals, and tyres will age through time and ozone exposure rather than wear from use. The recurring theme across the 2021 and 2023 tests was uneven tyre wear, specifically on the nearside front, flagged as wearing on the inner edge. This is a classic indicator of a tracking or alignment issue, often stemming from worn suspension bushes or a misadjusted toe setting. While the problem appears resolved, a buyer should still inspect the inner sidewalls of all four tyres for any residual feathering or uneven wear. The MGF's mid-engined layout places significant stress on its rear suspension and subframe mounting points, so a thorough check for corrosion on the rear subframe, sills, and around the battery box in the front compartment is essential, as these are known structural weak points on the model.