MG TF (2002 - 2005) 1.8 16v (135ps) 2d Owner Review

1.8 16v (135ps) 2d
MG TF (02-)

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In their own words

Paid £710 plus SCU plus hard top plus £155 for some leather seats off ebay - Sports cars ought to have them. Drove just under 4k absolutely trouble free economical miles in the year I have owned it so it doesn't owe me anything. It is great fun with a little power controlled oversteer even without driving fast. Being light it pulls away quickly. It is small so copes with double parked streets. Seats are comfortable enough and boot adequate. I can reach over my shoulder & pull up the hood in 5 seconds or drop it in under 10 remembering to tuck the middle fold upwards as I do, so can drive with the top down most of the time. Looks the part in BRG metallic. I watch the header tank for the head gasket leaking or blowing but it hasn't happened and would be relatively cheap to fix if it did. You have to keep the back planted in the wet or snow as it can get lively - not dangerous but you need to stop steering with the accelerator. Basic fun motoring without going too fast for just a few pounds as these get cheaper & cheaper.

How reliable do you find the car?

bought car v cheap because central locking didn't work properly - sent SCU to a guy in Brighton - fixed it for £55 no problem - ball joint at end of windscreen wiper tended to disconnect but fixed it with a clip - now fine

Does the car do everything you expected it to do?

Great in town and round country roads - fine on motorways. Economical enough. Never any significant problems at all. A real pleasure to drive & own and more fun than my BMW e93 325d. Bought a matching hard top on ebay for £110 - but don't really need it.
  • How they rated it

  • Reliability: 4 out of 5 4.0
  • Meets Expectations: 5 out of 5 5.0
  • Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 5.0
  • Jim Baker recommends this car

About their car

  • Fuel type Petrol
  • When purchased April 2015
  • Condition when bought Used
  • Current Mileage 39,000 miles
  • Average MPG 38 mpg