I purchased another vehicle in June,this one completely on a whimI spent roughly $2,000, along with a significant amount more, to buy and have shipped a 1998 MGF from Japan. Now, my used British roadster is finally here, and I’m thrilled because the car is in much better condition than I anticipated. The cherry on top: this roadster, which was once the best-selling vehicle in its category in Britain (yes, I bought a British car from Japan), is truly amazing. I knew I was getting a convertible, but what I actually received is even better.
I appear to be experiencing a car importation frenzy this year. I kicked off the chaos back in March by buying a1997 Honda LifeFor only $258 via Japanese auctions. Then I spent approximately another $4,000 to import the vehicle and fix its issues. I am very satisfied with my small car, and it demonstrates that you can still find truly great cars in Japan for a reasonable price. Even America’s tariffs didn’t spoil my experience.
I also had a lot of enjoyment when importing my car. Every aspect was exciting, from following the journey of my car’s Ro-Ro ship, the MOL Clover Ace, across the Pacific Ocean, to going to the port to collect it. Importing a vehicle is certainly one of the most thrilling experiences for an American car lover, and if you’re as adventurous as I am, you might never want to go back to an American dealership.
A Teenage Dream
Mercedes Streeter
Unfortunately for my bank account, this meant that my desire for importing cars didn’t disappear after buying my Honda. The beast needed to be fed once more. Fortunately, I came across a car I had been searching for a long time, an MGF. I’ve always been a fan of Mazda Miata alternatives such as the Saturn Sky Red Line and the Toyota MR2, but one car that has intrigued me since my teenage years was the MGF.
In those days, I was a big fan of British automotive programs.Top Gearkept me engaged due to the high production quality and enjoyment.Fifth Gearhooked me in with its challenges, evaluations, and, to be honest, a crush I had on one of the program’s hosts.Fifth Gearwas the show behind the famous “Smart Fortwo vs. Jersey Barrio” test.Fifth Gearalso tried the adorable small cars that I frequently didn’t notice the threeTop Gear blokes touching!
I quickly became fixated on the small MGF and its follow-up, the MGTF. Before we go on, I’ve seen these vehicles referred to as “Rover MGF,” “MG MGF,” “MG F,” and “MGTF.” My MGF was registered in Japan as a “Rover MGF” and was made by Rover Japan. However, the official UKbrochuresthat I can access to spell out the earlier version of this roadster as “MGF” and thelater oneas “MG TF.” That’s how I will too.
Regardless, this MG is the fourth vehicle I’ve brought in from Japan. You may be wondering why I chose to import a British car from Japan, and the reason is quite straightforward. I have observed that the few MGFs available for sale in America usually cost around $7,000, so purchasing one that’s already here wasn’t an option. Similarly, I’ve noticed that MGFs in good condition in the UK are priced at a few thousand dollars, but then I…must pay additional money on top of thatTo have someone purchase it for me and handle the shipping to America. All of this adds to the cost because the dollar is weaker compared to the pound.
Mercedes Streeter
However, it’s significantly simpler to purchase a car like this from Japan. The MGF was sold new in Japan, meaning there is a stock available for purchase. Additionally, the yen is weaker compared to the dollar, and Japan already has a well-established export industry, making the process of buying a car as straightforward as placing an order on DoorDash.
In my situation, I saw what would become my MGF on the car marketplaceBe ForwardThe vehicle appeared impressive in the pictures, and the paperwork indicated that it was a reliable car with only a few minor aesthetic issues. The website informed me that I could have my MGF delivered to Baltimore for a total cost of $4,080 prior to Customs clearance. This includes the price of the car along with land transportation, ocean freight, shipping insurance, documentation, and all other necessary details that need to be handled in Japan.
Mercedes Streeter
The car that would eventually become my MGF was easily the most affordable MGF available in Japan that didn’t have a damaged suspension, a failing engine, damaged paint, or a torn soft top. However, let me be clear, I was trying to act responsibly. I had only just bought an imported car! Logically, I shouldn’t have purchased another vehicle, but my fingers clearly don’t follow the same reasoning as my brain does, because they definitely pressed Buy Now.
So, the car has finally arrived. What did I end up getting?
Mercedes Streeter
MG’s First New Vehicle in Many Years
According to the MGF register, the MGF was a major event for MG. This roadster wasn’t just a new vehicle; when it was introduced in 1995, it marked MG’s first completely new car in 32 years.
As AROnlineThe MG of the 1980s faced some challenges. Under the broader British Leyland company, the brand experienced the shutdown of its well-known Abingdon factory in October 1980. The final vehicle made there was the MGB, and at that point, there wasn’t an immediate replacement. MG managed to stay afloat by offering modified versions of Austin Rover sedans and maintained its presence among car lovers through racing activities.
However, as AROnlineNoted, MG Brass understood that it needed a convertible to ensure its future. After all, convertibles were what MG was recognized for during that period! MG chose to revitalize itself. It wasn’t merely going to develop a new vehicle, but rather showcase MG’s engineering capabilities with a sports car featuring elegant aerodynamics, striking design, and innovative technology. This would be presented as the MG EX-E concept, which appeared unlike any previous MG model.
MG
The MG EX-E featured a drag coefficient of only 0.24, a 250 HP MG Metro 6R4 engine, four-wheel drive, and a bonded aluminum frame with plastic panels. It is said that MG’s public relations department believed the EX-E could have been a production model, but it stayed as a concept.
In the later part of the 1980s, MG introduced the MG F-16 concept. This vehicle appeared more practical compared to the MG EX-E and had a front engine with a front-wheel-drive configuration. It is said that the project faced setbacks because of financial issues, weak sedan sales, and government interference. Rover did not fully approve the initiative.
AROnlinenoted that the key moment in MGF development occurred at the end of the 1980s, when Rover Group was acquired by British Aerospace in 1988. By 1989, Rover had improved financially as well. However, the major shift happened due to Mazda, which introduced the MX-5 Miata. Suddenly, Rover’s leadership had clear evidence that roadsters were popular, and they finally approved the creation of a successor to the MGB.
MG
AROnline continues:
The last part of the MGF puzzle was the creation of Rover Special Products. The purpose of this department was to handle Rover Group projects that were seen as too insignificant for the main Design Teams to focus on. RSP was a great opportunity for the new MG, as it provided a lot of flexibility during the design phase without requiring too many resources from the main design team, which was occupied with upcoming Rover sedans and hatchbacks.
As a result, the project received some guidance, and the commitment to production became much more probable. An overall name of “Phoenix Revival” (or “Phoenix Route”) was established, and as part of an effort to determine the most effective path for developing the new car, three subsequent MG convertible prototypes would be assigned PR designations.
Under the supervision of the Rover Special Projects division, the PR3 project was created and developed by Steve Harper during the initial months of 1991. The design concept, influenced by the TWR XJR15, was initially drawn in January 1991 and then refined over the following month, during which the unique form of the MGF became clear. Full-scale clay modeling started in March, and the ‘red car’ was first presented to Rover executives in the same month.
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Three models were created by Motor Panels, Reliant, and ADC, respectively. One featured a front engine and front-wheel drive system similar to the F-16, another had a front engine with rear-wheel drive, and the third included a mid-rear engine paired with rear-wheel drive.
The front-wheel-drive concept was abandoned since, although it is said to performed well, it utilized the chassis of the Austin Maestro, making it dependent on outdated engineering.
The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle offered an exciting experience with its 3.9-liter engine, but would have needed a completely new platform and transmission system. However, the mid-rear configuration could utilize an existing powertrain, simply positioned at the back of the car. Moreover, it is said that the mid-rear layout provided better handling on the road.
The MGF Receives Approval
MG
With the layout finalized, the team then focused on refining the visuals and requested proposals from three studios. Once the design was set in stone, the engineering team went into overdrive. FromAROnline:
So, due to Rover’s insistence that the PR3 should be as quintessentially British as bangers and mash, it was heartening to see that the Rover parts inventory was utilized — and no Honda components were included in the design, a temptation for any Rover Engineer during the early 1990s. The only option for the powertrain was the K-Series engine, but surprisingly, the suspension chosen was Dr. Alex Moulton’s Hydragas — not an obvious selection, considering the vehicles it had previously been used in. However, Hydragas performed exceptionally well with the mid-engined MG because it could be adjusted specifically to deliver precise handling during direction changes, without being overly sensitive. As Alex Moulton explained in Autocar magazine at the launch of the MGF, “it de-fidgets the car” thanks to its key feature — the front/rear connection. With a short wheelbase, the car was potentially very prone to becoming unsettled on uneven surfaces — but the interconnected MG experienced far fewer issues compared to its competitors.
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The 1.8-liter version of the K-Series engine is one that was not initially intended for a mid-mounted configuration. As mentioned elsewhere, the K-Series engine was developed as an efficient unit for use in small and medium-sized hatchbacks—and consequently, it was a very compact powerplant.
However, Rover Group Powertrain encountered a critical requirement to replace the purchased Honda 1.6-liter engines – and due to this necessity, the large-displacement K-Series was developed. Several innovative engineering approaches were utilized to enhance the capacity of the K-Series engine, with the most notable being new cylinder liners, referred to as damp liners, which enabled a larger cylinder size by incorporating bigger bores within the same block. The outcome was four cylinders fitted into the same block size – a longer stroke crankshaft facilitated the increase from 1.6 to 1.8 liters. Continuing Rover’s tradition of achieving more with less, the total budget for the engine project was “less than £200 million.”
Mercedes Streeter
The MGF took to the roads in March 1995, and it impressed many. This was the first completely new MG model in more than thirty years, and it was entirely British. MG received good sales, and the MGF eventually turned into the top-selling convertible in Britain. This achievement appeared to be well-deserved as well.Autocar said, via AROnline:
It could have been simple for Rover to place an MG emblem on the front of an average car and again depend on the brand’s reputation to drive sales. This did not occur. Instead, Rover has developed what is likely the world’s most comprehensive and budget-friendly open two-seater. Whether from loyal MG enthusiasts or those seeking something more elegant than the modified hatchbacks that are currently considered convertibles, the MGF is expected to be a welcome addition. It is a fully British vehicle of which we can be particularly proud.
Mercedes Streeter
As far as AROnlinewas worried, the MGF competes with the Miata, but it’s more suited for someone who enjoys driving to the bar and socializing with friends rather than racing on a track like a Miata driver.
Although the MGF was successful in its local market, the roadster never made it across the Atlantic to compete with the Miata in the United States. The Rover Group was acquired by BMW in 1994. It is said that BMW mentioned the costs associated with homologation as a reason why the MGF was never brought here.AROnlinestates that BMW likely wasn’t eager to introduce the MGF in the United States, where it would face competition from BMW’s own Z3 model.
Mercedes Streeter
Fortunately, the MGF has been legal to bring into the United States since 2020. Therefore, even if BMW didn’t want you to own one, you can now have one regardless.
My MGF
Mercedes Streeter
It seems I might have discovered a hidden gem. My vehicle went through a Japanese auction before being listed on the Be Forward platform. The inspection sheet from the Japanese auction showed the car had 15,982 kilometers, or 9,930 miles. However, the sheet also mentioned that the mileage was not accurate due to a cluster replacement. Since acquiring the car, I found an oil change sticker indicating the car received an oil change just below 18,000 kilometers in the summer of 2020. Therefore, the car definitely had a cluster with higher mileage in the past. The clutch and brake pedals are not very worn, nor is the steering wheel. Although I haven’t confirmed the exact mileage, I would guess it has significantly less than 100,000 miles.
Mercedes Streeter
Mercedes Streeter
Mercedes Streeter
Mercedes Streeter
I don’t place much importance on mileage. It’s possible to find a low-mileage vehicle that’s in poor shape and another with high mileage that’s in excellent condition. Therefore, I focused more on the general state of the car. The condition report indicated that the car had a valid inspection through June 2026. It also mentioned leather seats, working air conditioning, and an overall rating of 4, with both the exterior and interior receiving C grades. Additionally, the car underwent an independent inspection, which only highlighted a minor oil leak in the engine.
I observed that the car’s convertible top window appeared intact, yet clearly aged and worn, in the auction photos. Following the auction, the car was left in the yard, and it seems someone opened the roof without unzipping the rear window. Consequently, the old and fragile plastic window, which was likely original to the vehicle, shattered.
Mercedes Streeter
From my personal examination, some water entered the vehicle. This moisture resulted in stains and possibly minor corrosion on the car’s seat frames, but the vehicle was fortunate overall. Fortunately, someone at the lot considered the issue of water entering and sealed the window with tape. Interestingly, this measure successfully prevented water from getting in.
As you might have inferred from my photos, I have already installed a new window. Don’t worry, I’ll explain the surprisingly simple procedure.
Mercedes Streeter
Other than the broken window, the car was as specified. The engine ran smoothly, the transmission shifted into gear effortlessly, and as the Japanese auction stated, it truly had freezing air conditioning. For the first time since I began my car importing journey back in 2021, I finally imported a vehicle that doesn’t require any mechanical repairs!
The remainder of the vehicle was in remarkable condition in my opinion. The paint on this car is even superior to the paint on my Honda Life. I couldn’t detect any significant rust, the tires were in excellent condition, and I didn’t come across any electrical issues. I mean, when was the last time you saw plastic headlights that looked this good on a 27-year-old car?
Mercedes Streeter
What truly amazed me was the handling. I haven’t driven this vehicle extensively yet, but I am pleased with what I’ve encountered so far. The interior and driver’s seat of the MGF make me think of a Miata, but everything feels a little off.
The oddity begins with the keys, which are designed in the shape of the MG emblem and feature a pivot on the key blade. They are incredibly stylish. I’ve become accustomed to the simple keys found in most other vehicles, yet these keys have an unexpectedly high level of detail for something you won’t be focusing on for long. My car included both keys, along with two immobilizer remotes. I wasn’t even aware that the MGF had a remote-controlled security system!
Mercedes Streeter
After I got in, I inserted one of the keys into the glowing ignition cylinder and turned it. The initial MGF model featured a 1.8-liter Rover K-Series inline four engine that produced 118 HP. My vehicle is equipped with the more powerful 1.8-liter K-Series VVC engine, which includes variable valve timing and delivers 143 HP.
This engine has a slight resemblance to a washing machine, except when I release the throttle. At that point, I hear a few growls from the exhaust pipes, which makes me smile. What I truly appreciate is how lively the engine is, particularly above 2,000 RPM. It’s not necessarily fast, but it’s very engaging. According to reports, these VVC models can reach 60 mph in approximately 7 seconds. That’s a bit slower than the original Audi TT, or slightly slower than a GM front-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with a 3800 supercharged V6. This isn’t meant to criticize the MGF! In the traditional style of British roadsters, it’s not solely about top speed.
Mercedes Streeter
I haven’t had the chance to thoroughly test the handling yet, but I’m definitely convinced by the hype surrounding the hydragas suspension. I previously wrote a few paragraphs about the suspension:
What is a Hydragas suspension system? Rather than having individual springs and shock absorbers, you havespace-saving displacersfilled with an inert gas. It is an upgrade of the Hydrolastic suspension created by British engineer Alex Moulton. In this setup, traditional springs and shock absorbers are substituted with a fluid-based suspension system intended to minimize pitch and maintain the vehicle’s stability over uneven surfaces.
Bluebird Marine Systems Limited
Each component includes a damper unit and a Hydragas displacer, which is an integrated spring that utilizes compressed nitrogen as the springing element. As a reader once described, the primary distinction between the Hydrolastic system and Hydragas is that the Hydrolastic system employed displacers with a rubber spring.
As per the online documentation I’ve come across, my MGF’s ride height is slightly too low, and MG groups suggest this can be fixed by inflating the Hydragas suspension. It turns out this task is manageable for a do-it-yourself enthusiast! However, I haven’t had the chance to do it yet. Still, even with the suspension in its less-than-optimal condition, it performs well in reducing pitch. My car tends to drive straight and level, much like a Cessna 172 with the trim properly adjusted. The Hydragas also handles bumps quite effectively. This is still a low-slung, sporty vehicle, so it won’t offer the comfort of a Cadillac. However, the car didn’t feel like it was going to fall apart after hitting its first Midwest pothole.
I also enjoy the equipment setup. I have all the information I could possibly want to see here, such as my coolant temperature and oil temperature. I’ve become accustomed to driving vehicles that use lights to alert you about unusual temperatures, so it’s pleasant to have actual gauges once more.
The vehicle possesses unique characteristics due to being a British car that was originally sold in Japan. Most of the interior features English text, except for the safety warnings on the sunvisors. Additionally, despite being purchased new in Japan, this car lacks the typical turn signal configuration found in Japanese vehicles. In a standard Japanese car, the right lever controls the headlights and turn signals. However, this car has the turn signal and headlight lever on the left side, similar to what you would find in a left-hand drive vehicle.
I’m In Love, Again
The most accurate way I can characterize this small car is as if someone took a strange Toyota MR2 or subjected a Miata to a British translation process. The MGF is unique, charming, and very enjoyable.
Mercedes Streeter
Mercedes Streeter
So, the MGF is definitely heading to my secret collection of favorite cars once I address a few minor cosmetic issues. In total, I’ve spent approximately $5,200 for this vehicle, which includes the new convertible window I recently added. It’s not bad to own a unique car for summer drives. Even better, since my car has an 17-digit VIN, most states, even those that typically don’t favor Kei cars, won’t have any trouble issuing a license plate for it.
Once more, I reach the same conclusion I came to earlier this summer. If you’re seeking an enjoyable and unusual vehicle without spending a significant amount of money, turn your attention to Japan. The currency exchange rates will work in your favor, and if you opt for a car that isn’t a classic, there are still many excellent deals available, even with current tariffs and tense trade conditions. Not only will you obtain a distinctive car, but the process of importing it can also be a rewarding experience!
