Launched in Britain in September 1995, the MGF quickly became Britain’s bestselling sports car. With a mid-engine rear-wheel-drive configuration it fought off strong competition from the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota MR2 to prove that when it came to affordable sports cars the British motor industry still did it best.

At the car’s heart is the once ubiquitous Rover K-series engine in two power outputs. The standard car with the 1.8 litre 118bhp unit will satisfy many owners but the lack of power steering and ABS encouraged many to go for the more powerful model with a 143bhp VVC (variable valve control) engine and both items fitted as standard. In February 2001 MG introduced an entry-level 1.6 litre producing 110bhp and a 1.8 Trophy 160 SE with 158bhp. If performance isn’t a primary concern the 1.6 is no bad buy, coming with power-assisted steering as standard and offering excellent economy.

The power steering feels perfect in town but is a little too light when driving at speed and the Hydragas fluid suspension struggles when pushed hard, although the car retains a predictable and gradual tendency to understeer on the limit.

Despite its size the MGF offers a decent amount of boot space split between a space behind the engine at the back and some under the car’s nose. MG claims the rear boot can accommodate two sets of golf clubs, but I’d try your clubs for size before you buy. Interior space is restricted to a small glove box and a tray for coins and keys behind the gearstick.

Front seats are supportive but the footwell space is tight. With the roof up and two large adults on board it can feel very enclosed. Fortunately, dropping the MG’s roof is a simple task via a couple of catches. It takes seconds and can be done while still in the car. But the car’s “built to a price” origins show and you’ll find the roof isn’t lined, leaving its rather ugly framework on show. Folding the roof when cold can crack the plastic rear screen; most cars suffer light scratches that can hamper rear vision.

A removable hard top is available and although a £1,200 option when new many buyers chose one. Expect to pay about £400 more for a used car with one. But check the soft top is still in good condition. If the roof was folded when wet and then left it can suffer some damage, and replacement is expensive.

With the MGF selling in big numbers the choice of used examples is good. Buying privately could save you £1,000 over a dealer price but be sure to look at several examples before committing. MGF owners tend to fall into two categories: enthusiasts and fashion victims. The enthusiasts go to extraordinary lengths to maintain their cars, but fashion victims may only keep the car for a short period. Their cars may still be fine but it’s worth seeking examples with low numbers of previous owners and a comprehensive service history. Visiting the owners’ club website (www.mgcars.org.uk) will also provide access to lots of good advice.

With a “new” MG TF in January 2002 the MG story continued. The revisions were distinctive enough to justify the new name, and if your budget is 10 grand then you could consider one, but for me the real value is in the early cars with prices from as little as £4,000. It’s a cheap and enjoyable way to become part of the MG Owners’ Club.

Vital statistics

Model 1.8 VVTi
Engine type Four-cylinder, 1796cc
Power 143bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 36.3mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0-60mph: 7.0sec
Top speed 130mph

The one to buy

MGF 1.8 VVTi with five-speed manual gearbox, 2000 x-reg with 40,000 miles. Pay £7,850 at a dealer or £6,750 privately


Or for similar money...

1999 S-reg Mazda MX-5 1.8i S
1999 V-reg Toyota MR2 GT T-Bar
1999 S-reg Alfa Romeo Spider 2.0TS Lusso
1996 P-reg BMW Z3 1.9
1996 P-reg Audi Cabriolet 2.6E

Plastic rear screen
Check for cracks and scratches. Screen can be unzipped and removed, but check the zip works. Replacing the screen can cost around £200

Keys
Early cars should come with two keys and two alarm fobs; replacements are difficult and expensive to obtain

Alloys
Standard on all models but with a multitude of designs

Antilock brakes
Check that antilock braking light on dash comes on then extinguishes when starting the car

Service history
After initial 6,000-mile service, a service is due every 12 months or 12,000 miles

Uneven tyre wear
Can be a sign of suspension or subframe misalignment

Trim
Cheap plastics and some nasty switchgear mean the interior isn't very robust and can look tired

Locking wheelnuts
Standard on all cars; check that the locking nut is provided and that it fits all the wheels

Engine
On pre-1999 cars the K-series engine can suffer from head gasket failure, so check oil and coolant for beige goo Ð a telltale sign

Seats
No height adjustment on either front seat

Electrics
In particular check operation of windows, mirrors, central locking, lights and stereo

Total UK sales
MGF 42,000 (1995-2002)

Power steering
Electric speed-sensitive power steering is essential but not standard on all models

Air-conditioning
An option on some models but not a commonly taken one on new cars

VALUES MGF 1.8 VVTi



Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. ‘Trade’ is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you would pay a dealer