Faults:
Drivers window regularly popped out of its channels if you lowered it all the way down.
Fuel pump erratic; stopped working one night on way home, leaving me stranded for 3 hours as it wouldn't start. As soon as the AA man turned up, it started and ran fine; was told it is a common fault.
Front suspension subframe internal bolt broke its weld, allowing the lower arm to move around; ruined a nearly new Bridgestone.
Alternator failed, but fixed under warranty.
Cambelt snapped, causing £2350 worth of internal damage to the engine; dealer told me it had had a belt change, then denied all knowledge; it is still going through the courts. They refused to help, so ended up selling the car for scrap for £300, and I paid £3500 for it.
General Comments:
Performance was not as expected. A Mondeo V6 feels quicker, but the engine in the MG was designed to work with an auto box, so it could be that was more than adequate, although on trip to Nurburgring, it struggled to reach its top speed of 139mph; would only do 132 on the clock on a flat road with 2 people and 1 suitcase a piece, so it wasn't due to weight. But fine for general driving on British roads, and seeing off boy racers in their tarted up 1.2's.
Very harsh ride, no fun on bumpy back roads, but brilliant on smooth A roads.
Seats supportive in front, but can give back ache if you're tired after work, but fine if you have just jumped in after good night's sleep.
No rear leg room or head room. Passengers heads brush the ceiling if over 6 ft.
Drivers seat doesn't quite go back far enough for me, and I'm only 6ft 1 tall, so it's a little cramped.
Very large boot; good luggage hauler.
No rear internal style; it's the same as a Rover 400.
Service prices are astronomical; 90,000 mile service including cambelt is £900!!! MG specialist can do it around £500, as it is almost an engine out job.
Looks great; still one of the nicest looking hatches around, even though they're nothing more than a tarted up Rover 400.
