1997 MGF · 1,297 MOT tests
1997 MGF reliability
1997 MGFs fail 38.4% of first MOT tests, 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 5 MGF years (1,297 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all MGFs: 34.1%)
- 38.4%
- first-time fail rate (all MGFs: 34.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 17% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 69,571
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,297
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1997 against the years either side
- 1996 cars: 23% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does better)
- 1998 cars: 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 14.3% of tests fail here (127% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 63% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1997 MGF
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics15.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks14.3%
- Brakes11.7%
- Suspension11.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.7%
- Steering5.1%
- Tyres4.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 7.86%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 5.78%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 5.55%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 3.93%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Carbon monoxide high at idle 3.08%
High carbon monoxide at idle can point to fuel or ignition faults, which waste fuel and raise emissions.
Service brake efficiency below minimum 2.93%
The brakes are not stopping the car effectively enough, a serious safety risk that needs urgent repair before driving.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (12.95%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.87%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (8.71%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.56%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (6.86%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (6.86%)
Is a 1997 MGF reliable?
1997 MGFs fail 38.4% of first MOT tests, 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 5 MGF years (1,297 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1997 MGF MOT?
Most often carbon monoxide high after fast idle (7.86% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (5.78% of tests), lambda reading outside specified limits (5.55% of tests).
How many miles should a 1997 MGF have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1997 MGF shows 69,571 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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