MG TF advice

Hello. I am new to the forum and am looking for some buying advice regarding the MG TF.



To cut a long story short, I (and my family) have owned a number of MG/Rover/BL...cars over the years and I am considering purchasing a MG TF for top down motoring/modern classic/occasional track day use.



Between us, my wife and I own a Focus 182 Zetec-S, a Focus ST-2 2.5t and an MGB GT that I have owned since 1996 (my first car). Though I enjoy these cars, none of them are open top and I don't relish the consequences of damaging one on a track day at my local circuit (Cadwell Park).



The TF appeals because of its looks (it has got better with age), it is British, it is relatively light and it has an eager mid-mounted engine (I have owned an Elise S2 1.8K in the past - a great car and a frustrating car all in one). For 8 years I worked in sales in a joint Mazda/Mitsubishi dealer and though I rate the MX5, it does not appeal to me in the same way as the MG does (MK 2 Mx5s rust, MK 3s are not so involving to drive but are much better quality).



I have noticed that circa £3-£4k seems to be the ball park for a good MG/Rover TF 135 or 160, while the later MG Motor cars seem to start at £6K upwards. I would like leather or leather/alcantara seats, Sports pack 2 (the wheels and big brakes) , a colour coded hardtop and ideally, a colour coded soft-top (depending upon paint colour). As low a mileage as possible is preferred.



Sorry for the long introduction, but my main questions are these:



1) Are there significant difference between the MG Rover cars and the MG Motor versions. I have heard that the ride is better on the later cars but are things such as paint/trim finish and build quality better? Importantly, is the Head gasket any better on the n-series cars? Out of the 7 or so 4 cylinder k-series engined cars in the family, only one (a 216 SE cabriolet) did not suffer HGF (despite proper servicing and careful driving).



2) What model specific points are there to look out for? Where can they rust (either end of the sills?), Where can they leak? What desirable features make the cars better/easier to own?



3) If I went for a MG Motor car, are there parts issues that would make servicing or subtle modifying (Daytona exhaust etc.) more difficult compared with the MG Rover cars?



4) Are there any MG TF specialists (sales and service) that anybody would recommend in the Lincolnshire area?



Also, is there an active MGF/TF scene in the Lincolnshire area? I try to fit in the occasional event in with the MGB but one idea behind the TF is that I would be much happier using it all year round (more rust resistant).



I appreciate there are lots of questions here but any advice would be greatly received.



Thanks in advance



Alex.

from the last news http://ift.tt/NJx79m

via IFTTT