Would you recommend an MG to someone?

I probably would - but with some caveats:

1. Do not get the newest one you find - avoid anything after 2003 (project drive) as they rust and have stuff 'missing'.
2. Drive and F and TF and decide which you like the 'feel of for ride'.
3. Look for service history rather than mileage - the K-Series can happily go above 150K with no issues at all if well looked after.
4. An honest seller is better than an 'everythign is perfect with my MG' person - if it needs a few bit's doing then if you are told at least you know.

The one good thing about the F's and ealier TF's is tha tthey are pretty rust free in major areas - the odd scrab round the indicators and air intakes is not life threatening. Plus even if the worst (in most peoples eyes) happens and you do get a HGF then its only about 300 quid to fix - a ball joint on some cars will cost you that to get done!

Meg has given me many years of fun driving as my main car - apart from getting Russell to do the HG as a precaution (which turned out to be lucky due to a previous HG being badly fitted!) and a welding patch (caused by previous owner jacking in the wrong place with the wrong jack!) she has been reliable. Only typically age related bits and bobs have 'needed' to be changed - everything else I have spent on her has been a choice of upgrading.

Having said all that - if the person was totally inept with cars and moaned at the slightest issue then I'd say if you realy want an MG get an MG6 and at least you have a warranty!

Thanks for the replies guys.

The reason I asked?
My sister in law is keen to own an MG at the moment and she would be coming from a VW Polo.

Personally I think it wouldn't be the right move for her (and it's the wrong time of year to buy one), but wanted something to show her to let her make up her own mind.

If she does still decide that she wants one, I have the peace of mind to now say, "well, you knew what you were getting yourself into!"

And I think I've found her a lovely 160 Sunstorm if she goes for it...
I'll let you know either way what she decides.

Now that you have clarified who it is for, encourage her to do all the preventative maintenance on the car when she buys it. A good top to toe health check and service by a trustworthy mechanic, and get all the cosmetic, nice to have, stuff done as well. That way she is starting out with as much prevention done as possible. Also teach her that coolant and oil HAVE to be checked - they cannot just be trusted to be OK, service to service, like they are in a modern car. IMO, there is no reason, that, having done all that, she should be frightened of driving an F or a TF and enjoying it...

Oh yeah - a comprehensive breakdown cover from the AA or RAC is a must as well.

Hi Rich I would also have the suspension front arms checked as mine look good but one would have failed an M O T
You can get them off ebay for £48 free p/p which is nearly 1/2 price to Rimmer's and it is O/E spec.