Buying MG Metro, Maestro and Montego

Modern MG saloons such as the Metro, Maestro and Montego offer a unique combination of practicality and performance. These cars all possess good handling and lively acceleration in a modern package. However, models with engine management and fuel injection are quite complex and because of this they can be more difficult for the home mechanic to look after than the earlier cars.

Although these models are relatively new, remember that the greater practicality of modern MGs means that many of them will have had to work hard, and may have covered very many miles.

When buying modern MGs the same basic principles apply, it is important to carefully examine the bodywork, the condition of the engine and drive train, and to thoroughly check any available history.

The MG Metro was the first of the modern MGs introduced in May 1982 and now certain early examples can be bought very cheaply, making this an ideal entry level MG. Mechanically, it has the A plus engine which is reliable, economical and straight forward to service and maintain.

Major controls on the Metro should be easy to use. Steering is light, and the gear change should be direct and easy to select. If the clutch is sharp or prone to judder, it is in need of adjustment or attention. A juddering clutch and shaking engine will put extra strain on the exhaust downpipes and may cause a stress fracture if uncorrected. An engine stabiliser bar kit is available.

The engine is inclined to be noisy, but should not make any loud knocks and rumbles and should pull well. The gearbox shares the sump with the engine as in the Mini, and serious wear in idler gear can cause a knocking and clattering sound when the engine is revved. Look out for excessive smoke from the exhaust.

Check that the water hose from the inlet manifold to the oil/water intercooler has not been damaged by rubbing on the nearside engine mounting. Also making sure that the engine cooling fan is operational. It does not cut in until about three quarters up the scale towards hot.

Drooping suspension could be attributed to a lack of pressure in the Hydragas system which may cause the car to sag unevenly on one side and make the ride uncomfortably choppy. A Rover dealer will have the special equipment necessary to restore the pressure in the Hydragas system.

Alloy wheels are handsome but susceptible to damage and corrosion, check them carefully and also examine the tyres for uneven wear. Test for play in the front wheels by gripping them at the top, rocking them back and forth by pushing and pulling. If there is a detectable knock it may well be the hub centre. This should be tightened to 200lb ft and is often under tightened. A new taper washer and correct tightening is usually all that is necessary to eliminate play. A loose nut will give much the same impression as wheel bearing failure.

Bodywork on early MG Metros was prone to rust, especially the front wings behind the headlamps and inside the wing in front of the door pillar. Steel bumpers can rust away, while the front valance is very vulnerable to stone chips and therefore corrodes badly. Rear wheel arches and the front ends of the sills also suffer from stone chipping and will rust if left untreated. Doors and tailgated can also rust along bottom edges if not protected.

Petrol stairs around the filler cap may indicate problems with see page from the tank. The interior trim and equipment of the MG Metro was nicely executed and generally wears well. Although seat covers sometimes come unstitched they can usually be repaired.

Turbo models are often regarded with some suspicion, but if well looked after and presented for sale with a good service history they can offer excellent performance for a modest outlay.

MG Maestro 1600
The first Maestro was launched in March 1983 with a 1598cc R series engine. This car had an impressive specification which included digital instruments, a voice synthesizer and a powerful engine. Unfortunately, although the first cars were fitted with twin choke weber carburettors, these had to be mounted on a short inlet manifold. As a result, the early cars subsequently suffered from the effects of excess heat in the engine bay which created poor hot starting and rough running problems. Many owners have been able to overcome these problems by careful tuning and other modifications, although the hot starting problems usually persist. In July 1984 the engine was changed from the R to the S series. Differences between these units are considerable, but the main features were a change from chain driven camshaft on the R series, to a toothed camshaft drive belt on the S series, plus a re-designed cylinder head, lightweight block/crankshaft and improvements to the oil pump, water pump and distributor drive.

Suspension is by MacPherson struts at the front, with lower wishbones and an anti-roll bar. Rear suspension is also by struts with a simple H frame. This arrangement works well, giving a comfortable ride, although there is some body roll. Wear in suspension bushes and dampers will spoil the handling so it is well worth replacing them. Uprated suspension kits are available which can improve roadholding. Steering is light on the move, and precise when set up correctly. The 5-speed gearbox is the same as that from the VW Golf and the change is reasonable, although the 1600s can suffer from wear in the linkages and the change becomes sloppy, but this can usually be corrected with new bushes.

Brakes are excellent, being dual circuit and servo assisted with front discs on 1600, and self-adjusting drums at the rear.

Corrosion can be a problem on all Maestros, especially along the lower sections of the doors, it can also affect the inside of the front wheel arches and particularly around the outside and inside of the rear wings, check these areas carefully.

MG Maestro Efi/2.0i and Turbo
In October 1984 the 2 litre Efi was introduced, fitting the injected engine from the Montego gave the Maestro a much improved mechanical specification. Along with the new engine the Maestro also gained ventilated front disc brakes and a rear anti-roll bar. In 1986 a new facia was fitted, in 1987 a sun roof became standard, and in 1988 came full colour coding and a new design of 15 alloy wheels followed by power steering and electric windows.

The Turbo version offers the ultimate specification MG Maestro, with an attractive colour coded body styling kit by Tickford. Adding the turbo charger makes the engine produce around 150 bhp, which gives the car a very impressive 0-60 time of less than 7 seconds. However, there were only 500 of these models made and it is now quite difficult to find them for sale.

MG Montego Efi and Turbo
Launched in April 1984 the Montego saloon was fitted with the 1994cc O series engine and electronic fuel injection. This was used in conjunction with a Honda designed 5 speed gearbox. The body is based on the Maestro but is 16 inches longer, giving a sizeable boot and 2 inches more legroom in the rear.

The engine is excellent, but the Electronic Control Unit engine management system and even tappet adjustment requires specialist dealer equipment to set them up correctly. Although basic servicing such as oil, plugs and filter changes can still be undertaken by the average home mechanic.

These cars were popular with fleet buyers so beware of Montegos with high mileage which may have led a very hard life. Look out for signs of excessive wear, especially on interior items such as steering wheels, pedal rubbers and door trim. Body work can suffer if not cared for, check doors, inner wings, valances and boot.

The Montego Turbo was introduced in August 1985 which pushed the power output to 150bhp making the car very fast. Turbos have a reputation for having been thrashed and they are certainly popular with drivers who enjoy the extra performance available. Provided it has been well cared for there is no reason why the Turbo should be any less reliable, but do take the trouble to check out all available service history. However, should the turbocharger fail, they are quite expensive to replace.

Richard Ladds

All the modern MG saloons offer excellent value, giving the owner practicality and tremendous performance with a special dash of MG magic.