1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 MG Mgf MOT pass rate and common faults

651 MOT tests in 2024. 66.2% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time66.2%
Failed or needed repairs33.8%
Typical mileage at test68,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 651 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits6.3%
  2. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.6%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.1%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.2%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits3.2%
  6. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.8%
  7. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.5%
  8. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.5%
  9. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements2.5%
  10. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.5%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Emissions & leaks22.0%
  2. Lights & electrics18.4%
  3. Suspension15.7%
  4. Brakes15.1%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.4%
  6. Steering4.9%
  7. Tyres4.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened16.4%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine8.9%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded8.6%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.4%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn8.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

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

In 2024, 66.2% of 1997 MG Mgf cars passed their MOT first time, across 651 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 MG Mgf?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1997 MG Mgf reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 101, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).