Cash-Free Classics

Too cheap to take seriously? Think again! The MGF is an affordable and fun plaything that won’t swallow your savings – and it has genuine marque pedigree, too

MGF

We’re excluding the slightly later MGTF here because they have a little more depreciation left to go. Not so the bargain-basement ’F, which couldn’t offer more bang for your buck if it tried.

Although Longbridge had a hard time making the MGF’s reliability stack up against the bulletproof Mazda MX-5, they’re actually quite affordable to run, so you can buy one to enjoy without fear of impending financial ruin. You’ll even get mid-30s fuel economy.

Variable Valve Control ( VVC) models offer the most fun and tend to have had the most care, so are worth seeking out. For a speedy resale when you want your cash back, pick a MkII ( late 1999 onwards), preferably a lusty Trophy 160. And don’t go thinking that they’re too modern – MGFs and TFs are always welcome at classic shows and club events.

Running examples, especially older ones, can still be picked up for as little as £1000, sometimes less ( much less, as our very own Richard Barnett recently proved with his £250 ‘F), but budget a little extra to put you in the running for a car that’s already had cash invested in it. Considering that even the very best cared-for, low-mileage examples rarely cost more than £5000, there’s little incentive to scrimp unnecessarily.

However, finding a fun bargain that won’t lose you money isn’t just a question of setting the right budget – follow our expert pointers below to keep you firmly on the right track.