1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 MG Mgf MOT pass rate and common faults

807 MOT tests in 2024. 64.2% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

99About average
Passed first time64.2%
Failed or needed repairs35.8%
Typical mileage at test69,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 807 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits6.4%
  2. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements5.6%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.6%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits3.2%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.2%
  6. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.5%
  7. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements2.5%
  8. Rear fog lamp: not working2.4%
  9. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.4%
  10. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks23.5%
  2. Brakes20.4%
  3. Lights & electrics18.5%
  4. Suspension16.4%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.7%
  6. Steering5.1%
  7. Body & chassis3.7%
  8. Tyres3.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.6%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded9.4%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.1%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine6.9%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn6.6%

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 1998 MG Mgf?

In 2024, 64.2% of 1998 MG Mgf cars passed their MOT first time, across 807 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 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 1998 MG Mgf reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 99, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).