1997 MG MGF 1.8L Petrol · R285 CNA
1997 MG MGF (1.8L, petrol). First registered 17 Nov 1997. Recorded mileage 71,864 miles. MOT valid until 30 May 2027.
- Make & Model
- MG MGF
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 30 May 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 71,864 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
R285 CNA Key Findings
- 25 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 15/05/2026
- 71,864 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (16 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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
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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.
R285 CNA Mileage History
- 03/01/200762,289 mi
- 12/01/200762,381 mi+92 mi
- 04/01/200862,937 mi+556 mi
- 27/02/200963,584 mi+647 mi
- 27/02/200963,584 mi
- 11/02/201064,213 mi+629 mi
- 22/02/201164,523 mi+310 mi
- 24/02/201264,917 mi+394 mi
- 25/02/201367,878 mi+2,961 mi
- 05/03/201367,878 mi
- 25/02/201467,949 mi+71 mi
- 26/02/201568,070 mi+121 mi
- 30/03/201668,201 mi+131 mi
- 30/03/201668,201 mi
- 23/03/201769,069 mi+868 mi
- 27/03/201869,491 mi+422 mi
- 14/03/201969,601 mi+110 mi
- 28/05/202069,935 mi+334 mi
- 01/06/202069,937 mi+2 mi
- 24/05/202170,491 mi+554 mi
- 09/05/202270,703 mi+212 mi
- 31/05/202371,250 mi+547 mi
- 21/05/202471,531 mi+281 mi
- 15/05/202571,750 mi+219 mi
- 15/05/202671,864 mi+114 mi
Average of roughly 495 miles per year across 25 recorded odometer readings.
R285 CNA MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
25 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Mg Mgf (R285 CNA) between January 2007 and May 2026.
The record contains 20 passes and 5 failures.
The most recent test on 15 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 5 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (16 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 11 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 Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))”; “Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)”; “Nearside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)”.
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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MG MGF Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1997 model year cars.
- Hydragas Suspension Leaks/DepressurisationModerate
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 FailureSerious
Standard K-Series issue, exacerbated by the mid-engine layout and long coolant pipes to the front radiator.
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