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MG MGF Technical - cambelt

Hi,
A friend of mine has an MGF 'P' reg. and the cambelt went last week. The Rover dealership she took it to, (the same one I had my 'X' reg sorted for a HGF the other month) quoted her £2,000 but said they would buy it off her for £800! Shes done 42,000 miles - has anyone any idea as to what she should ask for it if she were to sell it privately (after the cambelt has been sorted). Also, from someone who has had 2 HGF's in the last year, is the cambelt a problem with the MGF's and how would you know if it was going ?
Many thanks for any advice.
Sarah
Sarah

Contact the MGF centre, they can fit a new (well second hand low mileage) engine for less than that.

The cambelt should be changed every 5 years, if it hadn't then she's been living on borrowed time for a while now.
Will Munns

<<is the cambelt a problem with the MGF's and how would you know if it was going ?>>

Cambelt is no more of a problem than any other car engine. They have a life based both on age and usage and must be changed at recommended intervals.

Daughters Escort cost me £1000 when it let go and scrunched half of the valves.

The head may need replacing but not without looking inside. The pistons also. Difficult cost equation - how much do you pay for engine strip to get estimate of repair OR jump straight in with replacement engine?
JohnP

Assuming a 1996 P, 1.8i, Autotrader says £4,436 for a private sale.

The Cam belt should be changed after 5 years - if it wasn't then it may just have worn out - the garage may be able to say how old the old belt was if they still have it. I think there was also another cam belt problem on early cars where the wheel/cog that keeps the belt under tension can fail.
Russell Parslow

An MGF for 800 quid? I'd buy it for twice that even with a dead engine! The garage are having a laugh at your friend's expense.

I agree with Will - MGF Centre ought to be able to sought your friend out with a new engine for less than the money quoted.
Rob Bell

>>has anyone any idea as to what she should ask for it if she were to sell it privately (after the cambelt has been sorted<<
My june '97 P VVC went for 3K in a part/x - in good condition, full service history, one owner from new, and decent spec. MGR prices are collapsing - but may recover in a few months. The price guides are no help with fast changing prices.
I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a ZR
Steve

item 4543002642 on ebay is a VVC engine for £750.
Russell Parslow

Sarah,

Which garage are you going to use?

Simon
simon@realwatches.net
Simon S

This thread was discussed between 19/04/2005 and 22/04/2005

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