Tell me about the MG TF

Just because it is newer does not mean it's a good idea to buy one. People buy new Corsas, mainly down to stupidity. I'd take a 10 year old mx5 FI over a 5 year old TF
 
[TW]Fox;17075154 said:
Lets use the same logic to recommend people buy a CityRover instead of a Fiesta.




Where did THAT come from?!
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The statement above my post about an FI MX5 being fast in a straight line, like a TF160
 
hurfdurf said:
A FI MX5 is going to be nothing like a TF in a straight line?
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Nope, the MX5 would be much quicker in all honesty.

And the cost of going FI is much cheaper on the MX5 is it not?
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Yup. Lots already done out there and done well. That's the point I was trying to get across - the 160 was being made to look like it was a good, viable option because it's quicker than a standard '5. My point is that there are faster MX5's for the money, regardless of ge. Most of which have been done properly, with decent suspension/brakes setup.
 
I think some people are missing the point here..

The road going TF was never designed to be an out and out hardcore MX5 killer.

It was cheap and cheerful and looked very pretty in most peoples eyes. Especially womens.

For those who think the whole TF platorm is flawed compared to the MX5, I suggest they get themselves a drive in the TF Coupe race car.

Had something like that ever made it into road going form, it would have chewed up the MX5 for breakfast!

Ultimately its all down to cost... Do you want to spend £1000's more and get an MX5 which is arguably the best car in its class, or do it on the cheap and get a TF?

Theres no argument really!! You would get what you can afford. I dont see where the big debate is.
 
You obviously won't be getting the same age car if you buy an MX5, but if you're careful, you should have a better car in an MX5 than a TF regardless of age.

I find it hard to see the appeal of a TF over an MX5 at any pricepoint (if you buy carefully without panels and sills largely consisting of rust), regardless of age because even though youth is going to be on the side of the MG, just about everything else won't be. MX5s are nigh on bomb proof, MG TFs really aren't. By all accounts the TF is probably a good car to drive, but the MX5 is purported to be a good bit better.

I can see the appeal in the MG from a subjective viewpoint, just would never buy one all the time the MX5 existed.
 
The MGF/TF are very bad for head gasket failure as are any MG Rover with a K series engine.
Being in the trade myself i have done many of these but don't let that put you off as no car is problem free.
 
[TW]Fox;17075077 said:
TF production has ceased against after literally nobody bought one of the new 2008 retools.
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I concede that, people were buying them up until the eventual demise of MG Rover. This Chinese lot are just flogging a dead horse.

The TF is by no means a bad car, it's just the MX-5 is better. I think the HGF issue is exaggerated by the engine placement in both cooling terms and ease of replacement.
 
4100 for a 52 plate TF looks to be on the high side, though of course it will depend on condition and history.

As with most things K series HGF is over dramaticised, yes, it may fail, however at ~400 to fix, is this really a significant concern? Yes, there was the tyre bulletin about not fitting GSD3s (though the main problem is from mixing tyres). Toyo T1 Proxes seem to be the preferred choice of many owners.

Disclaimer: I have owned a 2001 MG MGF for 7 years and encountered HGF in 2007 and have had no problems since. I like my MGF, your milage may vary.
 
And leaving aside price when new, you can buy a sound MX-5 cheap. So why would you buy the MG F/TF?

When looking at cars in a certain price range and general target market, there are certain options that are more expensive despite being, how shall I put it.....worse. You buy an Alfa 166 instead of a BMW of similar vintage simply because you have a soul. You buy a Bristol because you think a Bentley is just a little bit tacky (I know I'd have the Bristol, having driven examples from both marques). You buy an Audi simply because you can't bring yourself to buy a VW despite them being the same bloody car (VAG fanboys can feel free to rant at that point, but I won't be listening).

Personally, I'd rather have a Fiat Barchetta than a MGF/TF - so what if it's LHD, so what if the power is going to the wrong wheels, it's still a helluva lot prettier and cheaper and doesn't eat head gaskets for fun. And it's probably quicker on a B-road blat as well....

MX-5 -> Barchetta -> anything -> T/TF
 
MiNxYyY said:
After reading this thread, its changed my mind about getting an MG TF :(

Ive test drove one a few days ago and thought they were nice, interior wasnt shabby at all, good mileage and very good body work.

IT was a 53 plate with 55k on the clock and in black and he wanted £1550 for it.

I cant get an MX-5 for that can i?
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1550 for a 53 plate TF is very cheap, so check it carefully if you do want it.

Might want to check a few things:

Buying Guide
Buying FAQ
 
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That car is way too expensive. I've got an 04 TF160 80th Anniversary with only 20k on the clock and realistically it's only worth around the 5k mark.

Too much MG bashing going on here from people that have never owned/driven one. They're great fun for little money go and handle well enough. No doubt an MX5 is the better drive but they're also more expensive.

HGF is common though, stick £400 away and worry about it if it happens..

TF160 goes well, handling is fun on B roads, not so much fun on the motorway as noisy and unrefined but as a cross country blast with the hood down and sun shining they are good value.

Hard top in the winter makes a big difference but still not a great place to be..

..and they look better than an MX5 too and gives me another rare opportunity to pimp mine ;)

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Head over to the MGTF section at MGRover.org for loads of good info
 
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