Is the 1999 MG MGF reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MG MGFs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 2,457 tests. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 1999 MG MGF cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 MG MGF?

The 1999 MG MGF has a 74% MOT pass rate based on 2,457 tests in 2026. This ranks 192 out of 375 cars from 1999.

Which year MG MGF is most reliable?

The 2002 MG MGF has the highest MOT pass rate at 79%. The least reliable year is 1995 at 71%.

MG MGF (1999)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1999 MG MGF?

The average mileage for a 1999 MG MGF is 65,936 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.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,457 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1796cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Petrol1796cc27 years old2,457 tests66k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1796cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,197

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MG brand average of 86%.

At 27 years old, 74% of MG MGFs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,457 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 65,936 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 cars192th of 375(top 51%)

Rank among MG models137th of 155(top 88%)

vs national average-8%(82% avg)

vs 1999 cars average-1%(75% avg)

vs MG average-12%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

65,936

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1999 MG MGF has 65,936 miles on the clock, 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?

The most reliable year is the 2002 model with a 79% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 71%. The 1999 sits between the two at 74%.

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

TOYOTA YARIS

2001 · 1299cc Petrol

£1,722/year

71%

-3%

FORD FOCUS

2001 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,027/year

68%

-6%

MAZDA MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£1,827/year

73%

-1%

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,017/year

71%

-3%

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About the 1999 MG MGF

The 1999 MG MGF is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 2,457 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 65,936 miles at 27 years old, 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.

1999 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 £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1999 MG MGF?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MG MGF Reliability Trend

Newer MG MGFs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1999 MG MGF

At 27 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

Based on the 1999 MG MGF's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 27 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 1999 MG MGF stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MG MGF(1999)	74%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2197
TOYOTA YARIS(2001)	71%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£475
FORD FOCUS(2001)	68%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£2027-£170
MAZDA MX-5(1999)	73%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999)	71%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£180

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.