MG TF

MikeHiow

MikeHiow

MikeHiow

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Anyone have any experience with these?

The other half wants rid of her Yaris, and I'm tasked with finding a suitable replacement.

I've been pushing for an MX5, initially a MK1, which she was very unsure of, then I even offered to top up the cash from the Yaris to get a MK2.

Then she spotted a TF, and now nothing else will do.

What are they like? Build Quality? Do they share much with the MX5 in the lightweight, low power fun?

Please don't talk to me about head gaskets, I know the K-Series well enough.
 
They're supposed to be good to drive, whether theyr'e as good as the MX5 is a debate for the fanboys I think ;) some might say the FR layout is better though ;)

They are however well below the MX5 in terms of build quality, driving position/controls, and reliability.
 
here is what honest John says about them
What's Bad
Still no glass rear window. Cheap feeling dashboard trim.

MGF/MGTF 4th bottom model in 2004 JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Came 2nd bottom in 2005 JD Power/What Car Survey of 23,000 cars reg Sep 2002 to Aug 2003 with satisfaction score of 70.6%. Now that Rover is in administration, parts may start to become more of a problem.

Water level sensor kit available for the MGF and TF for £89.99 from MG Specialists such as Brown and Gammons (01462 490049) www.ukmgparts.com

What to Watch Out For
Once the car has done about 30,000 miles owners should have torque of modular engine's stretch bolts checked as part of the service as these will have begun to loosen slightly over time.

Check the coolant level at least twice a week and always before and after a long journey.

Head gasket failure can still occur on K series four cylinder engines because very low coolant capacity of engine means small leaks rapidly lead to overheating. Weakest point is water heated inlet manifold gasket.
 
Howard said:
They're supposed to be good to drive, whether theyr'e as good as the MX5 is a debate for the fanboys I think ;) some might say the FR layout is better though ;)

They are however well below the MX5 in terms of build quality, driving position/controls, and reliability.
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^this really, i like the look of the TF and thats it!
 
Azza said:
If they are anything like an F then keep away like its the black death. :( Get an MX5.
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Not sure if it's been just luck, the fact it's newer and lower mileage or whether theres anything in it - but my dad used to have an MGF and now has a TF - the TF has been much more reliable and the interior is better built.

His is a 160, which is really good fun actually - although if it was me buying one I'd still get an MX5
 
Had a MGF VVC, was ok i guess, few issues with it. Coolant levels etc. Personally i would stay clear as HGF is very very common. And lets be honest do you really buy a car that needs checking coolant levels after every long trip.
 
kai said:
Had a MGF VVC, was ok i guess, few issues with it. Coolant levels etc. Personally i would stay clear as HGF is very very common. And lets be honest do you really buy a car that needs checking coolant levels after every long trip.
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HGF isn't really that bad. It goes, you get an uprated kit, and carry on with life. Wouldn't be a reason to dismiss a car.
 
Drove around in one for about 2 months.
Had a few issues with the interior build quality, but the car does drive well. Had to replace the rear screen, as if you dont unzip the back window before opening the roof, you eventually put a hole in the rear screen, as it is forced to bend.

Was quite nice to drive long distances too, didnt have any issues with the ride. Its was firm, and you know its a sports car, but not terrible untill you hit big divots in the road!

The one I was driving was the aniversary edition with the 135 engine, and it had a decent amount of poke to it :)
 
I had a look at them a few years ago but ended up with a mk2 mx5.

I think they are nice cars though, styling is better than the mx5 from some angles and with current prices you'll get a lot more for your money.

Go in with your eyes open on the possible reliability issues and I'm sure you'll enjoy owning one.
 
Oh, and checking the coolant level is easy, basically, every time you open the boot, look at the coolant level on the resevoir on the right hand side.
You really would have to work quite hard to never open the boot to miss low coolant :D In a 2 seater, its inevitable you will be in there quite often!
 
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