MG MGF (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,049 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1796cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol1796cc29 years old2,049 tests69k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the MG brand average of 86%.

75% of MOT tests on MG MGFs from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 2,049 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 68,840 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models148th of 306(top half)

Rank among MG models133rd of 155(bottom 15%)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average+0%(75% avg)

vs MG average-11%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

68,840

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 MG MGF had 68,840 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2002 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 79%, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 71%. The 1997 scores 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

MG MGF by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2004	91%	46	59,375 mi
2003	67%	43	61,264 mi
2002	79%	200	61,029 mi
2001	76%	2,829	63,289 mi
2000	76%	1,674	62,655 mi
1999	74%	2,457	65,936 mi
1998	72%	2,749	70,189 mi
1997	75%	2,049	68,840 mi
1996	71%	1,744	71,011 mi
1995	71%	219	76,565 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-2%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-4%

Nissan Micra

1999 · 1298cc Petrol

£2,183/year

70%

-5%

BMW 3 Series

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

+4%

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About the 1997 MG MGF

The 1997 MG MGF is a family car. Our records list a 1796cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,049 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 68,840 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, MG MGF owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1997 MG MGF Fuel Costs

The 1796cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1997 MG MGF?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MG MGF Reliability Trend

Newer MG MGFs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1997 MG MGF

At 29 years old, the MG MGF is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2002 model has the highest pass rate at 79%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 29 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1997 MG MGF stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
MG MGF(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£233
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
Nissan Micra(1999)	70%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183-£378
BMW 3 Series(1998)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1997 MG MGF

Is the 1997 MG MGF reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 1997 MG MGFs ended in a pass, from 2,049 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 MG MGF cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 MG MGF?

75% of 2,049 MOT tests on the 1997 MG MGF ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 148th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top half).

Which year MG MGF has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2002 MG MGF has the highest MOT pass rate at 79% and the 1995 the lowest at 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 MG MGF?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 MG MGF is 68,840 miles, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.