1998 MGF · 3,416 MOT tests
1998 MGF reliability
1998 MGFs fail 36.4% of first MOT tests, 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 5 MGF years (3,416 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all MGFs: 34.1%)
- 36.4%
- first-time fail rate (all MGFs: 34.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 10% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 68,567
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,416
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- 1999 cars: about average for its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 12.9% of tests fail here (106% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 56% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 MGF
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics13.3%
- Brakes13.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks12.9%
- Suspension11.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7%
- Tyres4%
- Steering4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 5.33%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 4.36%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 3.48%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Service brake efficiency below minimum 2.58%
The brakes are not stopping the car effectively enough, a serious safety risk that needs urgent repair before driving.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.49%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Carbon monoxide high, default limits 2.46%
High carbon monoxide at fast idle suggests engine or exhaust-emission faults, so diagnosis is recommended before buying.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (10.57%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (7.9%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.2%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (5.74%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (5.47%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.39%)
Is a 1998 MGF reliable?
1998 MGFs fail 36.4% of first MOT tests, 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 5 MGF years (3,416 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 MGF MOT?
Most often parking brake efficiency below minimum (5.33% of tests), carbon monoxide high after fast idle (4.36% of tests), lambda reading outside specified limits (3.48% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 MGF have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 MGF shows 68,567 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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